WhatsApp has recently announced a series of feature improvements for video calling on both mobile and desktop platforms. One of the notable enhancements is the expansion of the participant limit for group video calls. Previously limited to just eight participants on the WhatsApp Desktop app, users can now enjoy calls with up to 32 members. This change aims to make video calls more inclusive and accommodating for larger groups of users. Additionally, users can now share their audio when sharing their screen during a call, adding another layer of interactivity and engagement to the experience.
Another significant update is the uniformity of the participant limit across all devices. Previously, mobile users could have up to 32 participants in a video call, while desktop users were limited to only eight. With this update, the participant limit has been standardized, allowing up to 32 members to join a video call regardless of the platform they are using. This change ensures consistency and parity in the video calling experience for all WhatsApp users.
WhatsApp has also introduced a new ‘speaker spotlight’ feature, designed to highlight the current speaker during a video call. This addition aims to improve the visual clarity and communication flow during group calls, especially in larger settings where identifying the speaker can be challenging. By automatically highlighting the speaker, users can easily follow the conversation without having to search through the participant list. This feature is expected to enhance the overall user experience during video calls.
In addition to the video calling features, Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, has introduced a new tool called Meta Low Bitrate (MLow) codec to improve call quality. This codec helps compress audio and video data for efficient transmission over the internet, particularly beneficial for users on slow-speed connections. Despite the compression, Meta assures users that the MLow codec offers improved audio quality compared to the previous Opus codec, especially in challenging network conditions. This update aligns WhatsApp with other Meta-owned platforms like Instagram and Messenger, providing users with a more seamless and high-quality calling experience.
Overall, the latest feature enhancements from WhatsApp demonstrate the platform’s commitment to enhancing the video calling experience for users across all devices. With expanded participant limits, improved screen sharing capabilities, and enhanced call quality, WhatsApp aims to make video calls more interactive, engaging, and accessible for its global user base. Keep an eye out for these updates rolling out in the coming weeks to elevate your video calling experience on WhatsApp.