Overview
- A mid-June beta discovery obtained by WABetaInfo found code for the widget in WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.26.24.2.
- Preview material shows a compact 3x1 shortcut that can be resized and lets users tap a microphone icon to start recording without opening the app.
- After recording, users would be able to choose one or multiple recipients before sending, and recordings may be shareable as a WhatsApp Status.
- The feature is under development, is not yet available to beta testers, and WhatsApp has given no timetable for public release.
- The widget is part of a broader push to surface frequent actions on Android and could shorten the steps people take to send voice notes, a format heavily used in markets such as India.