Facebook is testing a new feature in the message format, allowing users to leave quick voice messages if calls cannot be started. This is considered the next step to improve the calling experience on the popular global messaging platform.
According to WABetaInfo, this option appears in the latest WhatsApp Beta version for Android. When the call is not answered, in addition to the "Call back" and "Delease" buttons, users will see the "Restore voice messages" option.
Thanks to that, leaving messages becomes faster, without having to go back to the chat window to record manually as before.
However, this feature has not yet appeared in the iOS TestFlight trial, and the Google Play store has not yet set a global launch date.
Notably, the testing move comes shortly after Google is said to be developing an additional call reminder tool, helping users not miss the connection.
The combination of the two features shows that Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is making efforts to expand tools related to voice calls and video calls, in the context that the majority of users still prioritize text messages and short voice notes.
If officially launched, the voiceover feature could make Google calls more flexible, especially in important situations where recipients cannot start their calls in time.
However, since the app already supports voiceover notes with playback, express rolling, and speed control capabilities, some may suggest that this is just a formal addition.
In addition, experts have also raised concerns about safety. With Google expanding its calling feature, will the platform have enough solutions to limit junk messages and the increasing number of automatic calls? The addition of new features will only be really meaningful when it comes with an effective user protection mechanism.
With more than two billion users worldwide, every small change on Facebook has a big impact on their daily communication routine.
The voiceover feature is currently new in the testing phase, but if widely deployed, it could become a familiar tool in online calls in the near future.
