WhatsApp has been introducing lots of new features recently, and now it’s looking to bring View Once voice messages to the app. WABetaInfo reported this detail about the newest beta version of WhatsApp on both Android and iOS. Beta testers who have gotten access to the most recent version of WhatsApp now have more control over their privacy regarding sending voice notes.
Self-destructing voice messages
Two years ago WhatsApp introduced View Once disappearing media. Following the lead of other, more privacy-focused messaging apps, WhatsApp made changes to how media could be shared. Users could now send photos and videos that could only be seen once, and then could not be opened again. This was a step forward from the disappearing messages WhatsApp had introduced prior.
Voice notes have remained bereft of this feature until the recent beta versions 2.23.22.4 on Android and 23.21.1.73 on iOS. Users can now select a View Once option when sending a voice message to a chat. WhatsApp notifies you when you’ve set a voice note to view once, just like disappearing photos and videos. These voice messages improve privacy in more ways than just one-time access. Voice messages sent with View Once enabled cannot be saved, forwarded, or exported by the recipient.
Naturally, this method isn’t foolproof. Just like how people could take pictures of disappearing photos and videos, recipients can still record view once voice messages on an external recorder. However, in all but extreme cases, this new feature should help many people make their chats just a little more secure.
More secure communication
Of course, many people prefer WhatsApp over traditional SMS services due to its end-to-end encryption, though RCS messaging changed that to an extent. The platform offered some modicum of anonymity with its ability to hide the Seen status in chats. After WhatsApp introduced disappearing chats and View Once media sharing, the app became even more popular among people who valued privacy. Now, self-destructing voice messages finally complete the package for a completely secure communication experience.
WhatsApp has made massive strides recently to catch up to other messaging platforms that offer more features and privacy options. Just a few days ago, WhatsApp users on iOS finally got the option to share media in its original quality. These changes are very welcome and have drastically improved the user experience on the app. This feature is still in beta but should be rolling out to the general public very soon.