Two developers, known as MaaarZ and Stirante, have been peeking around in Android Snapchat code and may have found references to a few possible exciting features. Hidden code within Version 9.21.1.0, released Dec. 24 of last year, reveal a new Snap type called ‘Audio Note.’ First reported by 9to5Google , the developers also found code hinting a possible Periscope-like livestream chat feature.
Just as the name suggests, ‘Audio Note’ will just record sound, similar to walkie-talkie style messaging. The developers note there were no specifications about the max length of the audio recording in the code. “ The recorded sound will be MONO and the encoding will be done as AAC at 44100 kHz sampling rate, along with 32000 bitrate,” developers MaaarZ and Stirante added in their XDA posting .
The duo also spotted ‘chat_stream_audio’ and ‘chat_incoming_video.’ They predict in their post that the code suggests full-screen video/audio calls and hinted that users have three response options: ignore, listen or join. Although Snapchat already has a live video call feature, it only works if both you and your friend are on Snapchat at the same exact moment. Reddit moderator Marzika points out , “ They will probably let the receiver accept or ignore these calls, since I found drawables assembling them with an incoming_call prefix.”
A cross-platform video calling feature would put Snapchat right in line with countless competitors like Periscope, Apple’s Facetime, Skype, and even Google Hangouts. Snapchat’s younger audience and casual, everyday usership may give the social networking app a leg up over other services if these rumored features come to fruition.
Snapchat has not announced or commented on these features.
