The latest WhatsApp beta update brings a new feature that lets messages self-destruct. The tip comes from reliable WhatsApp features leaker WABetaInfo. The source claims the feature is currently on a beta version of WhatsApp submitted through Google Play Beta Program. So, beta users are not able to access it now.
What You Need to Know About This WhatsApp Feature
Well, self-destructing messages are coming to WhatsApp for Android version 2.19.275. WABetaInfo says the new feature will be available under Group Settings dubbed Disappearing Messages. But the feature may also be available in private chats as well.
A user will be able to set the time limit for when the message should disappear, which ranges from 5 seconds to an hour.
However, this timer only starts when one member of a group sees the message. Once the timer runs up the message will be, well.. “disappeared” and there will be no tracks available in the chat about deleted messages.
I know this raises curiosity about whether the message will still retain in WhatsApp servers. It is not clear what Facebook’s instant messaging app has in store regarding that. But let us wait and see.
The bottom line is, this feature is not that new. For Snapchat, this is the core pillar and mechanism in which the platform operates. Self-destructing messages also already exist in other rival platforms like Telegram, Pushfor, and iMessage, among others.
Availability
At this point, it is not clear when we should be expecting this feature. As WABetaInfo notes the functionality available in the “alpha-stage of development.” This means there is no timeline on when the feature will hit the beta testing phase, leave alone public rollout.
Hold your guns; we will update you when new info on the same trickles in.
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