Following the last major update, WhatsApp introduced communities, in-chat polls, and 32-person video calling. According to WABeta, the company is working on voice status updates, WhatsApp chat, and a separate calls tab for desktop users. Meta recently launched new ways to find and buy from businesses on WhatsApp.
Voice status updates
WhatsApp is currently working on adding the ability to exchange voice notes in status updates for the iOS beta. As shown in the screenshot below, users will be able to post up to 30 second voice notes alongside text status updates. When you don’t enter any text within this section, the microphone icon appears, just like in a WhatsApp chat; otherwise, it means you’ll send a text via a status update as usual.
It’s important to note that your voice status updates will only be shared with the people you specify in your privacy settings, and they’ll always be end-to-end encrypted.
WhatsApp Chat
WhatsApp is working on an official WhatsApp conversation for desktop users. As shown in this screenshot, WhatsApp intends to provide a dedicated, verified chat where users can receive tips, see announcements, and learn about new features.
Because the official WhatsApp conversation is read-only and end-to-end encrypted, communications cannot be intercepted. If you do not want to receive messages from WhatsApp, you can mute or ban this chat.
WhatsApp Calls tab
Some WhatsApp beta testers are currently receiving a call option in the app sidebar. The screenshot shows the Calls tab, where users can view a list of their call history on the desktop app and call details by opening the call card. However, keep in mind that the feature is still in beta and that the call history may not be properly synced.
Availability
The Voice status update and WhatsApp chat on desktop are still in development, and it will likely be some time before users can access them. The Calls tab feature, on the other hand, is being rolled out to a limited number of beta testers on WhatsApp beta for Windows 2.224.6.4.0.
