Under a cloud, Twitter tests new voice DMs feature

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Just days after the tussle between the Modi administration  and Twitter, the microblogging platform has started testing a new voice DMs feature for direct messages.</p>
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The new free speech tool has been after Twitter came in for severe criticism for falling in line with the government of India's call for closing certain twitter handles which were messaging in support of Red Fort violence in New Delhi on January 26.</p>
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The feature is being rolled out in a phased manner to users in India, Brazil, and Japan starting Wednesday, February 17. Just like for voice tweets, each voice DM can be a maximum of 140 seconds long.</p>
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Twitter says that the new feature will give users more ways to express themselves and create a more human experience for storytellers and listeners alike.</p>
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Voice DMs extends the ability to send voice notes as direct messages from voice tweets. Twitter had first introduced audio messaging on its platform with Voice Tweets in June last year. It allows users to send voice notes as tweets with or without accompanying text.</p>
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The test feature is being made available for both iOS and Android users but users can listen to the messages they receive even via a Web rowser.</p>
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iOS users have the option to press and hold to record their message, which is then swiped and released to send, On the other hand, Android users can send voice messages to an existing or new chat by tapping on the voice recording icon. After the audio message ends, they can tap on the icon again and send.</p>
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Manish Maheshwari, Managing Director of Twitter India said that “India is a priority market for Twitter and that is why we're constantly testing new features and learning from people's experience on the service here. We're excited to bring the voice messages in DMs experiment to the country and give people a new way to express themselves and help them connect through the nuances, emotion, and empathy built by hearing someone's voice.”</p>
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Last week, The Ministry of Electronics and IT has sent 3 notices and asked Twitter to delete several accounts permanently after the January 26 Delhi Red Fort violence. </p>