WhatsApp Introduces Voicenotes as Status Updates.
WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature that enables users of the app to upload voice notes as status updates.
The new voice note feature allows users to record and share voice notes of not more than 30 seconds as status update.
This development is coming months after WhatsApp saw a significant traction in voice messages on its platform where it reported that an average of 7 billion voice messages are sent daily.
Users will get the option to record voice notes by tapping the microphone icon on the status screen. It provides a more personal touch to status updates and works as a convenient option for those who prefer not to type or use graphics. Last month, WhatsApp tested its voice status feature with its Android and iOS beta testers.
Alongside voice status, the latest WhatsApp status updates include a “private audience selector” that lets users easily pick a privacy option per status to choose who can view their status updates. A new audience selector button appears on the status screen — it brings up a menu to let users control the visibility of their status updates. The most recent audience selection will be saved and used as the default for the following status update, the messaging app said in a blog post.
WhatsApp has also broadened the availability of status reactions that were available to some users a few months back. Users can quickly reply to any status updates by swiping up and tapping on one of eight emojis.
Similar to status reactions, WhatsApp has widened the availability of status profile rings to all users — after making them available to some users in the recent past. These rings appear around your contact’s profile picture when they share a status update — it works a bit like on Instagram. Status profile rings will be visible in the chat lists, group participant lists and contact info.
Users also get link previews on their WhatsApp status updates. This will allow them to showcase a visual preview of their links to Instagram posts or YouTube videos that they put on their status.
The updates have started rolling out to users globally and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks, the messaging app said.
Last month, WhatsApp released its native macOS client in a public beta. The app also launched its official proxy support for global users a few weeks ago to help people communicate if their internet connection restricts connectivity with WhatsApp.
