On Android, WhatsApp is testing a global voice message functionality that allows users to listen to audio messages even when switching between chats. When a user exits a chat in which a voice message is accessible, the instant messaging software currently stops playing that message.
The upgrade appears to allow for background voice message playback. WhatsApp has been improving the voice message experience for a few months now in order to get its users to send more voice messages on the network.
According to WhatsApp beta tracker WABetaInfo, the global voice messaging feature was mentioned in WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.22.3.1. However, beta testers have not yet been given access to the feature.
A screenshot has been given by WABetaInfo to demonstrate the feature. It displays an audio player interface that allows you to pause, resume, and dismiss the voice message that appears at the top of the chat list. There’s also a progress indicator to illustrate how the audio is progressing.
When users switch to the default conversations screen, the feature appears to allow them to continue listening to voice messages. Along with Android users, iOS users appear to have the same experience, as WABetaInfo predicted in October last year when it first appeared on Apple’s platform.
The exact date on which WhatsApp will introduce enhanced audio messaging is still unknown. It’s also
unclear when the feature will be made available to Android and iOS beta testers.
WhatsApp introduced a voice message preview feature last month, allowing users to listen to recordings before sending them to their friends. It has recently included waveforms for voice messages and audio message playback speed support.