WhatsApp is ‘delinking’ its voice messages from the chat app and why it may be ‘good news’ for users

Facebook-owned instant messaging WhatsApp is working on a new voice message feature for its users. Reportedly called the Global Voice Message Player, it will allow users to listen to the voice messages when they leave a chat. The feature was reported by WaBetaInfo, the online platform that keeps track of WhatsApp upcoming features.

At present, one must keep that chat open in the background if they want to listen to the voice message. In case they leave the chat, the voice message automatically stops playing.

The feature has been spotted during the development of WhatsApp beta for iOS. But it is very likely that the instant messaging platform will introduce it for Android users as well.

How will the new feature work

As per the report, the global voice message player will be pinned to the top of the application. This will ensure that it is always visible when a user opens any section of the app. The player will also allow users to pause and dismiss the voice message at any time.

The new feature will be useful when one receives a voice message with a longer duration.

When is the new WhatsApp feature expected to be rolled out?

The feature is currently under development. As mentioned above, it was spotted during the development of WhatsApp beta for iOS. It is likely to be released in a future update to WhatsApp.

Before bringing it to all users, the company will introduce it first for the beta tester. WhatsApp may also change the appearance of the global voice message player (colours, the interface) before the release.