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WhatsApp alert for ALL users – voice notes are changing again in shock update

WHATSAPP is about to roll out a new update that will change the way we use voice notes – again.

The new feature is on the way to Android WhatsApp users and when it arrives, will add support for voice notes to the app’s status update.

WhatsApp voice notes are getting a big change
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WhatsApp voice notes are getting a big changeCredit: WhatsApp

That’s according to , a site that scours early "beta" versions of WhatsApp ahead of their general release.

The new functionality was uncovered in the latest update for WhatsApp beta for Android (version 2.22.16.3), and will apparently see a voice note shared as a status update being called a “voice status”.

The new release shows a fresh icon at the bottom of the app’s status tab that will quickly let users send a voice note as a status update. 

However, testers say that the voice note will only be shared with the people you choose within your status privacy settings.

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And the voice note will be end-to-end encrypted as other images and videos shared to your status.

As the feature is still under development, it’s hard to know exactly when we will see it rolled out to general users.  

Also, bear in mind that a feature appearing in beta does not necessarily mean that it'll make it to general release.

However, early versions of the app are generally a good barometer for what users can expect to land on their Android-powered phones, tablets and PC in the near future.

The new voice status function is the second Whatsapp voice note-related feature to be rolled out to Android beta users in the past few months.

In March, it was revealed that Whatsapp users would be able to pause recordings midway through.

As expected, the feature is now live for most users.

And it means you can resume the recording before deciding to send it to the recipient.

It’s proven a pretty handy tool to have at your disposal, especially when you lose your train of thought mid-flow and want to take a break before continuing.

If you want to try new WhatsApp features before everyone else, follow our guide below.

How to get WhatsApp beta

To download WhatsApp beta for your smartphone you need to go to  Play on your Android and search for WhatsApp.

Scroll down the page until you see "Become a Beta Tester".

Tap the "I'm In" button and then click "Join" to confirm.

Now all you have to do is wait for the update to the beta version of the app.

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Joining the WhatsApp beta on iOS for iPhone is more difficult, and has limited capacity.

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Follow Apple’s guide .

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