In the coming weeks, WhatsApp users can look forward to a series of significant updates aimed at enhancing the call experience across both desktop and mobile platforms. These updates promise to make group calls more accessible and inclusive, with improvements ranging from increased participant capacity to enhanced audio and video quality.
Expanded Group Video Calls
One of the most notable updates is the expansion of video call support to accommodate up to 32 participants across all devices. Previously, the maximum number of participants varied by platform, with Windows and macOS users limited to eight and mobile users capped at thirty-two. This update brings WhatsApp in line with Apple’s FaceTime in terms of participant capacity, making it an excellent option for large virtual gatherings, work meetings, and social events.
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New Speaker Spotlight Feature
To manage the potential chaos of large video calls, WhatsApp has introduced the speaker spotlight feature. This functionality automatically highlights the person speaking, displaying their profile prominently at the top of the screen. This makes it easier for participants to identify and focus on the current speaker, thereby improving communication and interaction during group calls.
Screen Sharing with Audio
Building on the screen-sharing feature introduced in August 2023, WhatsApp now allows users to share audio while screen sharing. This enhancement enables users to share voice notes, music, and other audio files seamlessly during a call. Whether it’s for collaborative work sessions or simply sharing a favorite song, this feature adds a new dimension to the WhatsApp call experience, making long-distance interactions more engaging and interactive.
Improved Call Quality with MLow Codec
Recognizing the importance of call quality, especially in areas with poor connectivity, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has introduced the MLow codec. This new codec improves call reliability and enhances audio quality by reducing background noise and echo. With 10% less computing complexity than the previous Opus codec, MLow promises to deliver twice the audio quality, ensuring clear and stable calls even on older devices or in low-network conditions.
Future Updates and Features
In addition to these call enhancements, WhatsApp is working on other improvements, including a feature to simplify chat history transfers between devices. Users will soon be able to transfer their chat history by scanning a QR code in the app settings, eliminating the need for Google Drive backups or physical cables. This feature, currently in beta, indicates WhatsApp’s ongoing commitment to making platform migrations smoother and more user-friendly.
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These updates will be rolled out gradually over the coming weeks, with specific details about regional availability yet to be disclosed. As WhatsApp continues to evolve, these new features reflect its dedication to enhancing user experience and keeping pace with the demands of modern communication.