WhatsApp is seen working on a new feature called ‘Expiring Media’ that would make media files such as images, videos, and GIFs sent to the recipient’s phone disappear once the recipient leaves the chat.
Word is that the company is working on another similar feature. But unlike the expiring messages feature that focuses on text messages, this feature focuses on media.
As per a report, the messaging app is working on a new feature called expiring messages. This new feature will enable users to share media files such that they disappear without a trace once the recipient leaves the chat. The new feature is yet to be a part of WhatsApp beta releases.
The new expiring messages feature will appear next to the add media option, depicted by a clock icon. Tapping this icon will enable the expiring messages feature.
Users, however, will not be able to set a timer to the shared media using this option. It will disappear the moment the recipient of the messages closes the chat. Also, WhatsApp would highlight such media files with a timer icon to let the recipient know that the shared files will expire after they leave the chat.
The new feature is in development for Android users at the initial stage, though it would eventually be provided to both Android and iPhone users. The feature is still in the development stage and it will take some time for the company to roll out the feature for its users. As far as the expiring messages feature is concerned, WhatsApp is working on improving this feature. The company has added a separate panel, which explains what this feature does before taking users to the window where they can send the disappearing messages. Apart from explaining the functionality, the window also explains that the feature will be end-to-end encrypted like all other conversations on the platform. This feature is still in the developmental phase and there is no word on when the company will roll it out to the users.
