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WhatsApp Beta Update Hints at Built-in Noise Cancellation for Calls on Android

Highlights

WhatsApp is testing a built-in noise cancellation feature to improve voice and video call clarity.
The system will process audio locally on the device before encryption, while isolating the user’s voice in real time.
The feature is still under development with no confirmed release date.

(Photo by Grant Davies on Unsplash)

WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature aimed at enhancing call quality on its platform. The Meta-owned messaging service is said to be testing a built-in noise cancellation system for both voice and video calls. This feature was recently spotted in a WhatsApp beta update for Android and is expected to significantly reduce background noise. Here are more details.

Noise Cancellation Feature spotted in WhatsApp Beta

A recent report by the trusted WhatsApp Beta source WABetaInfo reveals details of a new functionality identified in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.11.8.

Noise Cancellation feature spotted in WhatsApp Beta. (Screenshot by WABetaInfo)

As per the report, WhatApp is working on an in-app noise cancellation system that will automatically eliminate unwanted background sounds such as traffic, wind, and surrounding conversations during calls. It will isolate the user’s voice in real time and improve clarity to make conversations more focused. This will apparently even work in noisy environments.

The feature is currently under development and is likely to roll out in a future update of the app.

How Will Noise Cancellation on WhatsApp Work?

The report suggests that noise cancellation will be enabled by default during calls. Users will receive an on-screen indication when the feature is active. However, it is expected to remain optional, allowing users to turn it off through the in-call menu if needed.

Importantly, the feature is said to process audio locally on the device before it is encrypted and transmitted. This approach could ensure that WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption remains intact, as the voice filtering occurs at the microphone level rather than on external servers.

Expected Rollout

As mentioned above, the feature is still under development and there is no confirmed timeline for its release. It is expected to first reach a limited number of beta users before a wider rollout in a future update.

Like most beta features, it may be introduced gradually and may not be immediately available to all users.

FAQs

Q1. What new feature is WhatsApp testing in its Android beta?

Answer. WhatsApp is working on a built-in noise cancellation system for voice and video calls, designed to filter out background sounds like traffic, wind, and conversations to improve call clarity.

Q2. How will WhatsApp’s noise cancellation work during calls?

Answer. The feature will be enabled by default and process audio locally on the device before encryption, ensuring end-to-end security. Users will see an on-screen indication when active and can turn it off via the in-call menu.

Q3. When will the noise cancellation feature be available to all users?

Answer. The feature is still under development with no confirmed release date. It will first roll out to a limited number of beta testers before gradually reaching more users in future updates.