Seems like WhatsApp is working to introduce a unique addition to status updates soon. According to WABetaInfo, the beta tracker of WhatsApp, the Meta-owned company may soon roll out the ability for users to share voice notes as a status update that could be called “voice status”. The feature is being tested and has been spotted in WhatsApp for Android beta v2.22.16.3, as per WABetaInfo.
"What’s new in this update? WhatsApp is working on voice notes for status updates, for a future update of the app! Today, thanks to the new WhatsApp beta for Android 2.22.16.3 update, we can finally announce that WhatsApp is planning to extend the functionality of status updates by adding the support for voice notes," WABetaInfo wrote on its page.
The beta tracker of WhatsApp added that the voice notes shared as a status update may be called “voice status”.
WABetaInfo has also shared a screenshot which shows a new icon at the bottom of the status tab on WhatsApp that will quickly let users send a voice note as a status update. However, it should be noted that the voice note will only be shared with the people users choose within their status privacy settings. The voice note will be end-to-end encrypted like other images and videos shared on WhatsApp status.
Earlier this week, Meta-owned WhatsApp announced any emojis can be used as a reaction on the world's most popular chat platform. Company CEO Mark Zuckerberg made the announcement through a Facebook post and also posted his favourite emojis. This is something that we have seen the company already doing for Instagram.