WASHINGTON DC: The instant messaging app, WhatsApp, is developing a new feature that will soon allow Android users to share motion photos in individual chats, groups, and channels.

According to the website “WABetaInfo,” which specializes in WhatsApp news, this upcoming support for motion photos aims to expand the media-sharing capabilities of the app. Upon opening the photo and video gallery in WhatsApp, a new button dedicated to motion photos will appear, providing users with the option to send either a static or motion version of the image.

Motion photos are a media format that captures a brief moment of movement both before and after a still image is taken. Unlike traditional photos, motion photos include a few seconds of video and audio. This feature is particularly popular on certain mobile devices, as it bridges the gap between still images and videos by adding a touch of motion to static shots.

The motion photo feature is commonly available on various smartphones, such as Samsung Galaxy devices, where it is also called “Motion Photo.” While the feature is currently available on iOS for iPhones, the motion photo-sharing feature in WhatsApp for Android is still under development and is expected to roll out in a future update. AFP