WhatsApp unveiled its latest feature, "View Once," designed to allow users to set voice messages to disappear after the recipient has heard them. While the "View Once" capability has been available for photos and videos since 2021, this expansion caters to audio messages, providing an additional layer of privacy to users.
Despite the potentially confusing jargon, as it has historically been associated with visual content, WhatsApp's decision to extend the "View Once" branding to audio messages underscores the platform's commitment to enhancing privacy across various messaging formats, according to The Verge.
The introduction of the "View Once" feature for voice messages has been met with enthusiasm, as it signifies WhatsApp's dedication to delivering protective features for diverse communication forms within the messaging service.
A picture taken on October 12, 2021 in Moscow shows the US instant messaging software Whatsapp's logo on a smartphone screen.
Enhancing Security
In an official press release, WhatsApp suggests practical applications for the feature, such as reading out credit card details to a friend or planning a surprise. Beyond these examples, there is potential for a broader range of use cases, including more personal or confidential exchanges.
Despite the unconventional nomenclature for an audio-focused feature, the "View Once" rollout is anticipated globally for both iOS and Android users "over the coming days." This official announcement follows earlier hints from code analysts at WABetaInfo, confirming the imminent release of the feature. Users are expected to make a voice note "View Once" by tapping the "1" icon located to the right of the message's waveform during recording.
In addition to the "View Once" feature for voice messages, WhatsApp recently introduced a "secret codes" feature aimed at bolstering the privacy of locked conversations on the platform. Initially launching locked chats to facilitate the concealment of sensitive conversations, this new feature introduces an extra layer of protection, making it more challenging for unauthorized users to locate specific chats.
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The "secret codes" feature empowers users to assign a unique password to conceal their locked chats, enhancing security and preventing inadvertent discoveries. By opting to hide the locked chat folder from the chat list and requiring a unique password for access, users can ensure an additional level of privacy for their most sensitive conversations.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, in an announcement on his WhatsApp channel, highlighted the rollout of the "secret code" feature, emphasizing its role in protecting chats with a unique password. This feature reflects Meta's commitment to providing users with tools to effectively safeguard their private conversations.
Talk to Meta AI
Furthermore, Meta has expanded the availability of its virtual assistant, Meta AI, to users in the United States. Accessible across primary messenger apps, including WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram, Meta AI enables users to interact through text or voice commands. Users with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses can leverage voice commands such as "Hey Meta" to engage with the virtual assistant.
Meta has noted the positive reception of Meta AI's text-to-image generation features. A recent addition, called "reimagine" on Messenger and Instagram, allows friends in group chats to iterate on AI-generated images with additional text prompts, enhancing the collaborative and creative aspects of virtual interactions.
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