WhatsApp Rolls Out Voice Chats for Large Groups

[MacRumors]

WhatsApp is rolling out a new voice chats feature in groups that lets users start voice calls without disturbing everyone in the group.

Previously in WhatsApp group chats, the only option was to start a voice call, which rings every member in the group. If no-one joins, the call doesn't go ahead.

In contrast, voice chats can be initiated in a group without anyone joining, and users are prompted to join discreetly via a silent push notification. The feature is available for those WhatsApp groups with 33 to 128 members.

Group members not participating in the voice chat can see who is active in the call from the chat header and the Calls tab, and people can join or leave at any time. If the encrypted chat remains empty for 60 minutes, it automatically ends.

As noted by WABetaInfo, the feature is now appearing for users on iOS and Android who have installed the latest WhatsApp update from the App Store and Google Play Store, respectively.

Article Link: WhatsApp Rolls Out Voice Chats for Large Groups

 

[3530025]

Perfect for all those disinformation and conspiracy groups on WhatsApp.

 

[truthsteve]

don't really care for WhatsApp

 

[BanjoDudeAhoy]

I’m thinking of work calls with less than ten participants where people talk over each other and no one gets heard- and then I try to imagine a group voice chat with up to 128 participants… 😬

But hey, nice for whoever might want this, I guess.

 

[thegerman]

I love the fact that the most used messenger in the world and imo best messenger for communication with your friends and loved ones gets even ever. Keep the good work up.

 

[**maestro**]

I would prefer WhatsApp to roll out an Apple Watch app!

 

[Muzzakus]

Is there an iPad app coming or what? It’s becoming a joke

 

[Trausner]

where is the iPad app?

 

[Pupi]

The feature is available for those WhatsApp groups with 33 to 128 members.

So if you are in a 32 people group this feature is simply not for you.

Whatsapp continues the series of braindead decisions.

 

[vegetassj4]

Everytime I see What's App, I think of this:

 

[CapitalIdea]

Ugh. Is the EU going to try to force iMessage to allow receipt of this as well? Annoying.

 

[alexandr]

Perfect for all those disinformation and conspiracy groups on WhatsApp.

Yes, because they often have group calls.

 

[3530025]

Yes, because they often have group calls. Have you nothing else to say?

They don't because it obviously did not make sense to start call in a large group.

But it may make sense now when the call is optional to join-in Discord style.

 

[alexandr]

They don't because it obviously did not make sense to start call in a large group.

But it may make sense now when the call is optional to join-in Discord style.

Have nothing else to say? What's added value of your post?

Ok, so it still somehow makes sense to start a call in a group of complete strangers? Ok)

 

[3530025]

Ok, so it still somehow makes sense to start a call in a group of complete strangers? Ok)

Because calls are not common in a group of strangers sharing the same topic, right?

Cough cough - Discord (again).

 

[alexandr]

Because calls are not common in a group of strangers sharing the same topic, right?

Cough cough - Discord (again).

Yea, I still don't see it working.

 

[svish]

Good to know about this feature.

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

So if you are in a 32 people group this feature is simply not for you.

Whatsapp continues the series of braindead decisions.

Good point. Should simply be an option for all calls, group or not, regardless of group size. Why place unnecessary artificial limits to features? Users will find a use case you never thought of, and all you're going to do is annoy them that it exists but isn't accessible.