WhatsApp Just Made It Easier to Record Long Voice Messages and Watch YouTube Video Links

[MacRumors]

WhatsApp received an update on Tuesday introducing a couple of notable feature additions, namely, a more convenient way to record long voice messages, and a picture-in-picture mode for viewing YouTube videos.

WhatsApp's voice message recording ability has been a popular feature on the chat platform for a good while now, but the fact that you had to hold down the microphone button to keep recording could get frustrating if you wanted to send a particularly long chunk of audio in one go.

So, starting today, WhatsApp is introducing Locked Recordings. Now, when you hold the mic button to record a message, a padlock UI element soon appears along the right-hand side of the chat window which allows you to slide up and lock the recording to give your finger a rest. When you're done, tapping the send button ends the audio recording and sends it on its way.

A couple of things that might be obvious to some users, but are still worth noting: when making a Locked Recording, you can't view media in a thread unless you use a 3D Touch action, and you can't navigate to another chat.

The other worthwhile addition in version 2.17.81 is the ability to watch YouTube videos you've received in a chat right from within WhatsApp. Thanks to picture-in-picture, you can also keep watching the video as you navigate to another chat. At the time of writing, PiP doesn't seem to be working for all users who have updated, so WhatsApp could still be working to roll it out more broadly behind the scenes.

WhatsApp is a free download for iPhone from the App Store. [Direct Link]

Article Link: WhatsApp Just Made It Easier to Record Long Voice Messages and Watch YouTube Video Links

 

[ValyrianSteel]

It was about time!! I love voice messages, but it was SO annoying when your screen accidentally rotates and your voice message was gone ‍♂️. Let’s see how it works, because I haven’t got the update yet. Cheers!

 

[berrymetal]

Keep it up Whatsapp!

 

[bpp85]

It was about time!! I love voice messages, but it was SO annoying when your screen accidentally rotates and your voice message was gone ‍♂️. Let’s see how it works, because I haven’t got the update yet. Cheers!

I tried it. It works fine. No more looking at the screen to see if you are still recording

 

[JosephAW]

This problem was the deal breaker for my friend who has a handicap and we went to Telegram which had this feature for some time. Would be difficult to convince them to return to WhatsApp.

 

[Stella]

Being able to leave video messages for FaceTime would be a great addition. It seems a no brainer.

 

[andre n.]

the worst messaging app ever, I just can't believe why and how many people use it

 

[nikicampos]

A solution to a problem that should never have existed.

 

[Billberryjuice]

The other worthwhile addition in version 2.17.81 is the ability to watch YouTube videos you've received in a chat right from within WhatsApp. Thanks to picture-in-picture, you can also keep watching the video as you navigate to another chat. At the time of writing, PiP doesn't seem to be working for all users who have updated, so WhatsApp could still be working to roll it out more broadly behind the scenes.

Anyone seen this working yet? I've updated the app but newly posted youtube links aren't any different to before.

 

[nayanbhalotia]

Updated it a few hours ago. Didn’t try the recording feature but the YouTube thing doesn’t work. The youtube link still redirects you to safari.

 

[B60boy]

the worst messaging app ever, I just can't believe why and how many people use it

I have been thinking about deleting Whatsapp anyway. I have had it for 4 years and received only one message. I don't talk to anyone outside the U.S. and if I do, my few friends are on Facebook Messenger anyways. I can see keeping FB Messenger, but not both that and Whatsapp too. Too redundant.

 

[indyandy]

the worst messaging app ever, I just can't believe why and how many people use it

Because it was one of the first messaging apps in Europe and everyone uses it. And it is the most reliable one I have used so far.

 

[techpr]

I have been thinking about deleting Whatsapp anyway. I have had it for 4 years and received only one message. I don't talk to anyone outside the U.S. and if I do, my few friends are on Facebook Messenger anyways. I can see keeping FB Messenger, but not both that and Whatsapp too. Too redundant.

As someone that uses both applications heavily every single day, compared to Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp is light years ahead in usability.

 

[B60boy]

As someone that uses both applications heavily every single day, compared to Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp is light years ahead in usability.

I agree, that is why I'm keeping both. I can see people getting pissed when FB Messenger starts inserting ads and adds to the clutter.

 

[Rochy Bay]

I interviewed with this company. The recruiter was highly inexperienced and unprofessional. When he bragged about how they only hire people with bachelors and masters and mentioned the lack of diversity within the teams, i jnew it was a warning sign. Since they became part of Facebook, it is just a matter of time until they finish ruining the APP.

WhatsApp received an update on Tuesday introducing a couple of notable feature additions, namely, a more convenient way to record long voice messages, and a picture-in-picture mode for viewing YouTube videos.

WhatsApp's voice message recording ability has been a popular feature on the chat platform for a good while now, but the fact that you had to hold down the microphone button to keep recording could get frustrating if you wanted to send a particularly long chunk of audio in one go.

So, starting today, WhatsApp is introducing Locked Recordings. Now, when you hold the mic button to record a message, a padlock UI element soon appears along the right-hand side of the chat window which allows you to slide up and lock the recording to give your finger a rest. When you're done, tapping the send button ends the audio recording and sends it on its way.

A couple of things that might be obvious to some users, but are still worth noting: when making a Locked Recording, you can't view media in a thread unless you use a 3D Touch action, and you can't navigate to another chat.

The other worthwhile addition in version 2.17.81 is the ability to watch YouTube videos you've received in a chat right from within WhatsApp. Thanks to picture-in-picture, you can also keep watching the video as you navigate to another chat. At the time of writing, PiP doesn't seem to be working for all users who have updated, so WhatsApp could still be working to roll it out more broadly behind the scenes.

WhatsApp is a free download for iPhone from the App Store. [Direct Link]

Article Link: WhatsApp Just Made It Easier to Record Long Voice Messages and Watch YouTube Video Links

 

[toke lahti]

Has somebody a logical explanation why whatsupp is not available for ipads?

 

[fairuz]

the worst messaging app ever, I just can't believe why and how many people use it

Many are basically forced to, or pay a lot extra for other sites or SMS.

 

[Mike MA]

I hate those voice messages. We obviously stopped talking long time ago and started mailing and messaging instead. Now people became even to lazy to do instant messaging.

 

[llirik]

Anybody else have the issue where you are pressing the record button for a voice note but force touch enables (i can feel a second press) and it keeps cancelling the recording?


Is it possible to get rid of this (without turning off 3D touch as I do use it elsewhere)?