Newsletter
WhatsApp is set to change the way large groups communicate through a voice call with the introduction of a new feature. It promises to make voice chats in larger groups smoother and less disruptive. The aim is to create a more seamless experience, offering users more control and efficiency when engaging in voice chats with multiple participants.
WhatsApp has supported group voice calls of up to 32 participants for some time. But this addition to the voice chat is designed to enhance the experience significantly. In the past, starting a group voice call would ring every participant’s phone simultaneously, creating a somewhat chaotic experience. With the latest update, that’s about to change.
A quieter, more user-friendly approach to WhatsApp voice calls
When a voice chat begins, participants won’t be bombarded with simultaneous incoming calls. Instead, they will receive a push notification, alerting them to the ongoing chat. Within the group chat, there will be an in-chat bubble that participants can simply tap to join the voice chat.
Once participants are in the voice chat, they will find that call controls are easily accessible from the top of the chat interface. This design allows users to manage the call without obstructing their ability to send text messages simultaneously. It’s a significant improvement over the previous experience and promises to make group voice chats much smoother and less disruptive.
Just like other personal messages on WhatsApp, voice calls are end-to-end encrypted, ensuring the security and privacy of the conversation. Up to 32 participants can join a voice chat, offering a flexible and scalable solution for various group sizes.
WhatsApp’s new group voice chat feature is set to roll out on both iOS and Android platforms in the coming weeks. However, it’s important to note that the initial rollout will focus on larger group chats with between 33 and 128 participants. This approach ensures that the new feature is introduced to groups where it’s likely to have the most significant impact. Smaller groups can continue to use WhatsApp’s existing group voice call feature.
