WhatsApp announces the arrival of a novelty that has the potential to considerably change the way we interact with others, in private and group exchanges. The rollout of instant video messages has started, but at least in our case still no trace: we tried on iOS and Android with the WhatsApp app updated to the latest version available but nothing, the video messages are not there yet. Please let us know if you notice any movement.
WhatsApp, however, clearly specifies that the distribution of instant video messages will take time, there is to be patient: “We have already started to implement video messages and in the coming weeks they will be available to everyone”. The operation of the novelty is clear: just press and hold the camera icon to the right of the text box to start recording a video message, set to 1 minute the maximum duration. They are protected with end-to-end encryption.
“We believe they will be a fun way to share moments with all the excitement that videos convey, whether it’s to wish happy birthday, laugh at a joke or give good news,” writes Meta’s platform.
In fact, WhatsApp instant video messages are voice messages with videos, only they last a maximum of 60 seconds probably not to weigh down the exchanges too much and make them less instantaneous, less direct. A voice message of several minutes engages connection and memory of the smartphone for a few hundred kilobytes, if the audio is added to the video the values in play can be different and not even a little.
The fact is, in fact, that between a voice and a video message there will not be much difference in terms of immediacy of use, nothing new to learn. Just briefly touch the microphone next to the text box to see the camera icon appear, from there holding down the recording will start and with a swipe upwards you can confirm the choice and detach your finger from the screen, as already happens with the voices. The videos are then played in the chat automatically and without sound, just a touch to activate the audio. Those who already use them on Telegram will have the mechanisms well oiled.
