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| WhatsApp is testing voice statuses for iOS |
The instant messaging service WhatsApp has also begun testing the ability to post voice messages in status updates on iOS, following previous testing on Android.
WABetaInfo, which specializes in monitoring experimental features for the meta-messaging app, reportedly began testing the feature on iOS after launching a link preview feature for shared links in status updates.
WhatsApp started testing voicemail functionality in the Google Android system update last September with app version 2.22.21.5.
The feature is still in development for Android, but the service has begun to expand testing to iOS for Apple's iPhone smartphones.
The site posted screenshots of the feature showing that when a status update is posted, a microphone icon appears at the bottom of the screen, allowing users to post an audio message starting at 30 seconds with a text status.
As with other status updates, privacy settings allow users to choose who can listen to voicemail messages and they are encrypted.
The site says it can't detect audio status in iOS because the feature is still in development, though it may look the same as the situation in the Android version.
It is expected that the Voice Status feature will be officially available to the public in a future update, just like what WhatsApp has done with its other constantly testing features.
Those who want to try out the new features can sign up for WhatsApp on the Android beta program, and can also manually download and install the latest beta version of the app from here. You can also sign up for the iOS beta program here.