Instagram has added a new walkie-talkie feature enabling users to exchange voice messages with each other via the Instagram Direct service.
The feature requires users to hold down a microphone in order to record audio and release in order to send the voice message to the chat in question.
As with WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger integration – like Instagram both owned by Facebook – implemented earlier, users will see the recording visually represented by a waveform (via TechCrunch).
The audio recordings max out at one minute and the feature is available on both iOS and Android. The voice messages remain in the chat permanently, compared with temporary options like those within Apple’s iMessage app.
Related: How to delete Instagram
The feature comes shortly after Apple added a walkie-talkie feature for Apple Watch users in watchOS 5. This is actually a lot more like a traditional walkie-talkie than the implementation within these Facebook-owned products.
However, Instagram’s feature does have its merits. It’s much easier to speak than type in many situations and indeed in some languages. It can also be a more genuine expression. Previously, Instagram users needed to strike out live chats in order to take part in video chats, a feature that was outed in June of 2018.
Will you be making use of the newest Instagram feature within its Direct chat? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.