WhatsApp endeavors to improve its users call experience with an update bringing a host of new features.
While it made its mark in the world of secure messaging, WhatsApp intends to attract more users to its voice and video call functions too. To kick things off, group video calls have gotten bigger with support for 32 persons in a single call. That is four times more than previously supported number of callers. If the calls get too chaotic, a new feature allows both direct messaging and muting of call participants. By long pressing on a participant, an enlarged interface appears to perform these functions without interrupting the call. Gathering users for a WhatsApp call is now easier with a new call link feature that can be shared to participants.
Voice calls have received new features too. It is now easier to know who is talking in a large group call with colorful waveforms overlayed on the speaker. If someone pops into the group call, a notification now pops up to mark their arrival. iOS users will receive an exclusive, minimized in-call video screen feature. Users can now multitask on their devices without interrupting an ongoing video call. This feature is still currently under beta testing and will roll out in the new year.
Even with new features for WhatsApp calls, the commitment to privacy and security still remains. As always, the end-to-end encryption on all communication through the app by default remains in place. For more details on the new features, visit Improved Calling Features on WhatsApp | Meta (fb.com).
