WhatsApp could soon make chats a lot more lively with a new motion photos feature for Android users. According to WABetaInfo, the feature has been spotted in the latest beta version of the app and is already available to a few beta testers.
Motion photos capture the moments just before and after a picture is taken — complete with audio and movement — making them more dynamic than a regular still image. Alongside this, WhatsApp is also said to be working on usernames, which could be shared instead of phone numbers for better privacy.
Testing in Beta
The new feature was first noticed in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.22.29, which is now available on Google Play. While only some users can try it at the moment, it should gradually roll out to more beta testers over the next few days.
How It Works
As shown in screenshots shared by WABetaInfo, motion photos in WhatsApp will be marked with a small play button inside a ring. This icon will appear in the image selection screen, where you choose photos from your gallery.
Tapping the icon will let you send the image as a motion photo. WhatsApp describes this as “a recording of the moments before & after a photo was taken,” and yes — the audio comes along with it.
Device Compatibility
You’ll only be able to send motion photos if your phone already supports them natively. For example, Samsung offers the feature as Motion Photos, while Google Pixel phones have it as Top Shot.
Even if your phone can’t take motion photos, you’ll still be able to view them when someone else sends one to you. That means you won’t miss out on the fun, even with a device that doesn’t capture them by default.
