WhatsApp is working on the ability to schedule calls for an upcoming version of the messaging app, details from a feature tracker reveal. The popular messaging service could allow users to schedule calls with members of the same group who will be notified when the call starts. WhatsApp is also working on the ability to transcribe voice notes, a few months after it was first spotted in development. Transcriptions can take place on device and may only be supported on newer smartphones.
Accordingly details Meta’s messaging service, shared by WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, is developing a new feature that will allow users to schedule a call in a group chat. The feature could be useful for groups where members have agreed on a specific time for a call. The feature is still in development, which means beta testers can’t try out the ability to schedule calls at this time.
A screenshot of the function shared by WABetaInfo, probably via reverse engineering, shows a new one schedule call Option shown when selecting call button on version 2.23.4.4 of WhatsApp beta for Android. Tapping the option brings up a card where users can enter a title, choose a date and time, and then tap Create Button. According to the image, users will be notified when a call is scheduled and when the call will begin.
Scheduled calls (left) on Android and voice transcription (right) on iOS
Photo credit: WABetaInfo
Meanwhile, the feature tracker is also included sighted WhatsApp is working on the ability to transcribe voice messages. Readers may recall that the service already was Work about such a feature as early as 2021. WABetaInfo says development of the feature has been halted for unknown reasons, while version 23.3.0.73 of WhatsApp Beta for iOS shows signs that the service might introduce the feature with an upcoming update.
The screenshot shared by WABetaInfo shows a pop-up card with an error explaining why transcripts are not available for a specific message. The message informs the user that transcription may not be available if no words are recognized or if a user has not set transcripts to the language in which the voice message was sent.
whatsapp The voice transcription feature has been spotted on iOS, and WABetaInfo says the transcription will take place on a user’s device. This should mean that neither WhatsApp nor Apple have access to your voice messages, which are end-to-end encrypted. However, it also suggests that the feature might require a recent version of iOS, according to Feature Tracker (meaning only newer iPhone models might support the feature).
It’s worth noting that the messaging service is still developing these features and is yet to announce a date for their release. As with all beta features, the company could discontinue or stop development in favor of another feature.
