WhatsApp Introduces View Once Mode for Voice Messages: A New Era of Privacy

Source: Wikipedia

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WhatsApp is currently testing a View Once mode for voice messages, adding a new layer of privacy to the mobile app. This feature functions similarly to the disappearing images and videos already present on the platform. According to WABetaInfo, a new icon with the number one will appear in the chat bar while recording a voice note with the lock on. Tapping the icon enables the View Once mode, preventing recipients from exporting, forwarding, saving, or recording the messages. Once sent, the messages cannot be listened to again by either the sender or the recipient. It’s gone forever.

Enhanced Privacy for Personal and Sensitive Information

This new feature has the potential to effectively eliminate the risk of personal or sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. Messages cannot be shared with people outside the initial chat room, greatly reducing the odds of unauthorized access. This update is available for both Android and iOS users. Android users can join the Google Play Beta Program and install version 2.23.78 of the WhatsApp beta, while iPhone owners can try to join the TestFlight program for WhatsApp.

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A Quiet Period for WhatsApp

In terms of future updates, WhatsApp will be relatively quiet. None of the other beta features are as impactful or noteworthy as the self-destructing voice messages. The platform is currently working on implementing avatar reactions, a redesigned audio and video menu for iOS, and other minor updates. While these updates may not be groundbreaking, it’s possible that Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is keeping its bigger projects under wraps for a major release in 2024.

It’s worth mentioning that WhatsApp has seen significant updates this year, including quality-of-life changes, eight-person video calls on the Windows desktop app, and the testing of an AI-powered sticker generator for chats. With these recent developments, it’s no surprise that the platform is taking a breather before kicking off the new year with a bang.

Source: WhatsApp Blog

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