WhatsApp has made a significant move just before the holidays by adding a plethora of new video calling features. These enhancements aim to make WhatsApp a more viable option for both personal and work-related calls, replacing the need to rely on Google Meet or Zoom.

Redefining Video Calling with WhatsApp's New Features

Participant Selection for Group Calls

In group chats, WhatsApp already enables users to place calls to the entire group. However, there are situations where one doesn't want to disturb all members. Now, the company is rolling out an option to select specific participants during a group call. This is extremely useful when only a few people are available for a chat or when planning a surprise for a particular individual. It gives users more control over who they want to include in a video call, enhancing the overall calling experience.For example, imagine a family gathering where not everyone is interested in joining a video call at the same time. With this new feature, family members can easily select only those who are ready to participate, avoiding unnecessary distractions.

New Video Call Effects

WhatsApp is also introducing exciting new video call effects. Users can now have puppy ears, feel like they are underwater, or hold a microphone for a karaoke session. These effects add a fun and interactive element to video calls, making them more enjoyable.Imagine having a virtual karaoke party with friends using these effects. It brings a new level of entertainment to the video call experience and allows users to have a great time while staying connected.

Redesigned Call Tab on Desktop

The desktop app is getting a makeover with a redesigned call tab. Prominently displayed buttons make it easy for users to start a call, create a new call link, and call a number. This simplifies the process of initiating and managing video calls on the desktop.Moreover, the company is improving the resolution across both one-on-one and group calls on both mobile and desktop. This ensures that users have a clear and high-quality video call experience, regardless of the device they are using.In the past year, WhatsApp has been continuously improving its video call feature. It has added support for up to 32 participants, introduced a speaker spotlight to highlight the current speaker in a call with multiple people, and added screen sharing with audio. These features have been highly beneficial for organizations using WhatsApp for internal communication, especially during work-related video calls.For instance, in a business meeting where multiple team members need to participate, the ability to add up to 32 participants and use the speaker spotlight helps keep the discussion focused and organized.Overall, these new video calling features by WhatsApp are set to revolutionize the way we communicate through video calls, providing more flexibility, fun, and quality.