WASHINGTON: WhatsApp has upgraded its video calling capabilities, introducing the ability for users to watch videos together during calls, enhancing the screen-sharing function launched last August.
The maximum number of participants in WhatsApp video calls has now been increased to 32 across all devices. Previously, Windows and macOS users were limited to eight participants, while mobile users could include up to thirty-two.
This aligns WhatsApp with Apple FaceTime, which also supports up to 32 participants. A notable addition is the speaker spotlight feature, automatically highlighting the person speaking to ensure visibility during video conversations.
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has introduced the Meta Low Bitrate (MLow) codec to enhance call reliability, especially in low-network conditions or on older devices. Claiming twice the audio quality with 10% less computing complexity than the previous Opus codec, MLow is already used in Instagram and Messenger calls and will now roll out on WhatsApp.
These updates will be gradually available to all eligible users in the coming weeks. Additionally, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a feature that allows easier chat history transfer between devices, potentially eliminating the need for Google Drive backups.
This feature, spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.13.6, suggests WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to simplify platform migrations. It allows users to transfer chat histories by scanning a QR code in app settings, removing the manual backup process via Google Drive or physical cables when switching between iOS and Android devices.
Although details on the feature’s deployment for universal transfer remain unclear, it promises a smoother experience regardless of the operating system. WhatsApp continues to focus on enhancing user experience and refining data transfer processes, as evident from its beta version inclusion, despite specific release dates and functionalities yet to be fully disclosed.
