Technology
Huge WhatsApp update could totally change the way you use the app
WHATSAPP is working on a brand new update that changes how your voice calls works.
The popular app is constantly tweaked – and WhatsApp calls are next on the agenda.
WhatsApp / WABetaInfoWhatsApp voice calls are getting a big change[/caption]
WhatsApp has created a brand new interface for voice calls.
And it’s available right now for beta testers on both iPhone and Android.
The WhatsApp beta is where new features are tested before making it to the live version of the app.
We’ve got a guide on how to join the WhatsApp beta below.
This latest change was uncovered by the sleuths at WABetaInfo, who regularly mine WhatsApp for new features.
The app is changing how group calls work.
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Each person will be separated into their own rectangle.
And people speaking will have dedicated waveforms depicting their voices.
That means you can very easily tell who is speaking at a given time.
So if someone is making too much noise, you can make sure they’re muted.
There’s also a similar design when you place a regular voice call.
WhatsApp is also working on a new feature that changes how group chats work.
The company is testing something called Communities – they’re like big groups that contain your smaller groups.
Groups are one of the most popular ways to chat inside the Facebook-owned app.
But having multiple Groups can sometimes be chaotic – and hard to keep track of.
WhatsApp began working on Communities to collect Groups last year.
Maybe you could have a Work Community that would have lots of smaller Groups inside.
Or maybe your local area would have a Community, which splits into separate Groups for schooling and complaining about neighbourhood issues.
WhatsApp hasn’t confirmed when – or even if – this feature will roll out to the general public.
How to get WhatsApp beta
To download WhatsApp beta for your smartphone you need to go to Google 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.
Joining the WhatsApp beta on iPhone is more difficult, and has limited capacity.
Follow Apple’s guide here.
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