There have been rumors that WhatsApp could possibly add a voicemail feature to its platform in the near future, and it now seems there is some truth behind them.

The latest beta update for Android for the popular messaging app includes a few new features, including the ability to leave voicemails.

Those who are part of the Android beta testing program are the first to try out the voicemail feature that has been added to version 2.16.189 of the app.

While many people have long stopped leaving and listening to voicemails, adding this functionality will further allow WhatsApp to stand out among the other messaging apps. Since WhatsApp allows users to make and receive calls for free, leaving a voicemail can come in handy for business professionals who use the app to talk to associates overseas or when family members in other countries want to share big news despite the time difference. 

Instead of being directly given the opportunity to leave a voicemail when a recipient declines or misses a call, the user is presented with a menu that appears after the call goes unresponded. The user is given a choice to either cancel out of the menu, call back or record a voice message.

While technically, the "record voice message" option is the same as leaving a voicemail, selecting this option works in the same way as when users leave a voice message in a chat. After recording said message, it will appear in the chat window between the user and the recipient, so people won't have to dial into a separate voicemail inbox to hear the message.

Just keep in mind that, just because this voicemail feature is being tested for Android beta users (who can check it out by applying for the beta testing program or downloading the apk), that doesn't necessarily mean it will officially roll out to the app publicly.

Also added to the latest beta version of WhatsApp is a new font feature that removes formatting from a message. To use this feature, users just have to enter the grave accent symbol (') three times before the text to get rid of any formatting.

Adding new features to the platform allows it to stay popular among its user base to beat out the competition. Facebook, which owns WhatsApp, announced on Wednesday that Messenger now has one billion monthly users. Users can expect the new feature to continue to roll out on both platforms with new updates.

Source: Android Central