WhatsApp is introducing a new feature for Android users who frequently use voice messages. The application is in fact distributing a new widget for the home screendesigned to allow you to record and send audio notes without having to open a specific conversation first.
The novelty is currently available for some users registered in the WhatsApp beta program, through the update WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.30.2distributed via the Google Play Store. The release is happening gradually and is expected to reach more accounts in the coming weeks. The widget offers direct access to a new screen dedicated to voice recording.
After selecting it from the smartphone home screen, the user can start recording an audio message, pause registration, resume it later or delete the content e create a new one. Once recording is complete, you can confirm the voice message and proceed to choose the recipients. In fact, WhatsApp opens a contact selection screen that allows you to send the same audio to one or more people at the same time.
Design and function of the new WhatsApp widget
The widget has a default size of 3×1a choice designed to take up little space on the home screen. Users can position it freely and change its size after adding it. WhatsApp does not automatically insert the widget on the device: to use it you need to press and hold on the Home screen, open the section dedicated to widgets and select it manually.
The function is thought above all for those who often send voice messages to multiple people. Currently, to share the same audio with different contacts, you need to open a chat, record the message, send it and then forward it to other users. With the new widget, however, it is possible to register only once and immediately choose all recipients.
To increase the visibility of the feature, WhatsApp is also showing a notification within conversations after recording a voice message, informing users of the possibility of add the new shortcut to the home screen. At the moment the widget remains limited to beta testers.
