WhatsApp released three new features and several improvements focused on group calls. These new features are already available for WhatsApp users on Android and iOS.
The first feature is group video calls with 32 participants, four times more than the previous limit. This feature was first announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg last month and is finally rolling out.
Previously, WhatsApp had launched a group voice call feature with 32 participants. Both voice and video group calls are protected by end-to-end encryption.
The second feature is the option to send messages and mute participants in group calls. You do this by pressing and holding one of the participants on the screen to enlarge the audio or video feed.
WhatsApp will then display a pop-up menu allowing users to mute participants in the call or send messages while remaining in the group call.
The third feature is call links where users can share links with other people to join voice or video calls on WhatsApp. The way it works is more or less the same as the Zoom or Google Meet invitation link.
Apart from the three new features above, WhatsApp has also shared a number of improvements for group calling for a more seamless experience. For example, during a WhatsApp group video call, it will show colorful waveforms if the person talking doesn't activate their camera.
Apart from that, WhatsApp will also display a notification at the bottom of the screen that will appear when a new participant joins the group call, as quoted from the WhatsApp blog, Thursday (15/12/2022).
WhatsApp is also testing the picture-in-picture feature on iOS. This feature allows users to shrink the WhatsApp video call screen so they can access other applications without stopping the call. This feature is currently in beta testing and will be launched next year.
WhatsApp emphasizes that all calls, both audio and video, are protected by end-to-end encryption by default. This Meta subsidiary also promises to continue to bring updates in the next year.