WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in the world. In India, it is the most used app for chatting, calling, and sharing media. WhatsApp always comes with new updates for users to make the app simple and useful. This time, WhatsApp has started testing a new feature on its beta version. The new feature is called record voice message for unanswered calls. This feature is simple but very useful. Now users can send a voice message if the other person does not pick up the call.
In this article, we will discuss what this new WhatsApp feature is, how it works, on which version it is available, and why users are excited about it.
WhatsApp’s new feature is being tested on the beta
WhatsApp is famous for rolling out updates through its beta program before a stable release. The company is currently testing a new feature that allows users to record a voice message when their call goes unanswered. According to the report, this feature is now seen in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android. Only a few beta testers have received it so far.
This feature is important because many users try to call, but the other side may be busy or offline. Instead of calling again, users can directly leave a quick voice note. This saves time and gives a better way of communication. The update is small but will improve the calling experience inside WhatsApp.
How the record voice message works
The working of this feature is very simple. When you make a WhatsApp call and the other person does not answer, the app will show a new option. That option is to record a voice message. By tapping it, users can instantly record and send a short audio note. The audio goes directly to the chat window with that contact.
This is almost similar to leaving a voicemail in normal phone calls, but here it is built inside WhatsApp chat. The difference is that WhatsApp makes it easier because the message appears just like a normal voice note in the chat. It is simple, fast, and does not need any extra steps.
Why WhatsApp is adding this feature
WhatsApp always tries to make communication smoother and personal. Earlier, WhatsApp improved voice notes with features like pause, resume, playback speed, and even keep playing outside chat. This time, the focus is on voice messages again, but linked with calls.
Many times, users complain that when calls are not answered, they have to type a message to explain. With this new update, they can simply say what they want and send it in seconds. It is especially useful in urgent situations or when users are busy and cannot type. The feature also helps to reduce frustration when calls go unanswered multiple times.
Availability of the record voice message feature
As of now, this feature is under testing. It is rolled out in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android, version 2.25.23.21. Not all beta users have got it because WhatsApp usually rolls out in phases. If testing goes well, it will soon come to more beta testers and then in the stable update for everyone.
To use this feature now, users need to be part of the WhatsApp beta program from the Google Play Store. But the beta slots are often full. So normal users may have to wait for the public release. The company has not yet given an official date for a stable launch, but usually, after a few weeks of beta testing, it comes to the main app.
The response, as well as the expectation, was by email
Already, users are eager to know about this update. Voice messages get a lot of usage on WhatsApp, particularly in places like India, where people like to speak rather than type. This addition will make the application feel complete since missed calls are a rival feature of the application.
As an example, when somebody is out of contact due to a busy schedule or being in a meeting, or travelling, the caller can then listen to the message without having to make the call again. This enhances communication to be easy and quick. Some of the users also believe that it is comparable to voicemail and sounds more modern and easier to take advantage of.
Another improvement that some users want to see in this feature is on the design side, with quick reply buttons. And the initial release is unadorned and only concerned with documenting and transmitting. It can be completed in a future update.s
Other recent updates by WhatsApp
In recent months, WhatsApp has introduced many new features. Some of them are chat filters, multiple device support, edit messages after sending, and AI-powered stickers. The company is focusing on making both calls and chats better.
This new voice message for unanswered calls fits well in that direction. It connects calling with messaging in one step. Users get more freedom to communicate in the way they prefer. The feature is also expected to be available on iOS after Android beta testing.
Why is this important to WhatsApp users?
WhatsApp has millions of users who use it to communicate daily in their personal and professional lives. Even petite modifications can alter the usage of the application by people. The users experience the voice message recording facility better. Rather than getting only a missed call message, they get to get the message directly.
It is also useful when people do not like typing or lack the time to write a text message. Speech is fast, intimate, and more natural. In those countries in which WhatsApp is used extensively, this upgrade will prove to be highly useful and implemented when it achieves a stable release.
