WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature that will allow Android users to share motion photos in individual chats, group conversations, and channels. The feature, similar to Apple’s Live Photos, enables users to send short audio-visual clips taken while capturing a picture.
Motion photos are enhanced still images that capture a few seconds of video footage while taking a photo. The feature is commonly available on select Android smartphones such as:
Samsung Galaxy devices (called Motion Photo)
Google Pixel devices (known as Top Shot or Motion Photos)
Apple iPhones, where it is referred to as Live Photos
These dynamic images help capture the moments just before and after clicking a picture, adding a more immersive experience to photo sharing.
Once the feature rolls out, Android users will be able to:
Send and receive motion photos through WhatsApp
Use a new gallery overlay button to choose between a motion photo or a static image
Share motion photos with compatible devices, while unsupported devices may receive them as an unsupported file type
Currently, the feature is being tested in WhatsApp’s beta version (2.25.8.12) and is available for select users via the Google Play Store Beta Program. A wider rollout is expected in the coming months.
For iOS users, WhatsApp already supports motion photo sharing through Live Photos. When sending a Live Photo, users can long-press the image to send it as a GIF or video file. The new Android update is expected to bring similar functionality.
Apart from motion photo sharing, WhatsApp is also working on new AI-powered features. One of the most anticipated updates includes the ability to generate AI-based profile pictures using generative AI technology. This feature is currently in testing and is expected to allow users to create personalized avatars for their WhatsApp profiles.
Expected Release Date
While there is no official release date yet, reports suggest that WhatsApp’s motion photo-sharing feature will be rolled out in the coming months, following successful beta testing.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s upcoming motion photo-sharing feature for Android is set to enhance the way users share memories by allowing them to send short audio-visual clips instead of just static images. With this update, Android users will enjoy functionality similar to Apple’s Live Photos, making conversations more dynamic and engaging.
As WhatsApp continues to innovate, features like AI-powered profile pictures and enhanced multimedia sharing reinforce its commitment to improving user experience. While the motion photo feature is currently in beta testing, a wider rollout is expected soon, offering users a more interactive way to communicate.
With its growing list of new features, WhatsApp remains at the forefront of messaging technology, bridging the gap between traditional communication and multimedia-rich interactions. Stay tuned for more updates as the feature becomes widely available!