WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, is constantly updating its features to enhance the user experience and security. One of the areas that WhatsApp new improvements for calls in 2022. WhatsApp is improving the calling functionality, which allows users to make voice and video calls with their contacts and groups. In this article, we will review some of the new and upcoming improvements that WhatsApp has introduced or is testing for its calling feature.
32-person calls
One of the major improvements that WhatsApp has launched this year is the ability to start a voice or video call with up to 32 people on a mobile device. This is four times the previous limit of eight people per call. This feature enables users to connect with larger groups of friends, family, colleagues, or communities securely and conveniently. To start a 32-person call, users need to tap on the call icon in a group chat or create a new group with the desired contacts and then tap on the call icon.
Muting and messaging participants
Another improvement that WhatsApp new improvements for calls, made for group calls is the option to mute or message a specific participant during a call. This can be done by long pressing on the participant’s video or audio feed, which will enlarge it and show two buttons: one for muting and one for messaging. The mute button will silence the participant’s audio for the user, while the message button will open a separate chat window with the participant, without ending the call. This feature can be useful for managing background noise, clarifying something, or having a side conversation.
Call links
WhatsApp has also introduced a new way to invite people to a group call by sharing a call link. This feature can be handy for making a last-minute call or planning one ahead of time. Users can generate a call link by tapping on the call icon in a group chat and then selecting the option to share the link. The link can be shared via WhatsApp or any other app. Anyone who has the link can join the call, even if they are not in the group chat.
WhatsApp new improvements for calls and Improved calling interface
WhatsApp new improvements for calls and also improved calling interface for its Android beta testers. The new interface will show buttons with icons for accepting or declining an incoming call, making it easier for users to understand the action performed by each button. The new interface will also display the call type (voice or video) and highlight that the calls are end-to-end encrypted by default. Additionally, the new interface will include a new button that will allow users to easily add one or more contacts to the current call.
Other enhancements
WhatsApp new improvements for calls has also made some other enhancements to the calling experience, such as:
Colorful waveforms:
Users can now easily see who is speaking if their camera is off, as the audio feed will show a colorful waveform that indicates the volume and intensity of the speaker’s voice.
In-call banner notifications:
Users can now see when someone new joins a group call, as a banner notification will appear on the top of the screen with the name and profile picture of the new participant.
Picture in Picture on iOS:
WhatsApp is currently beta testing and planning to roll out a picture in picture feature for iOS users in 2023. This feature will enable users to multitask while on a call, as the video feed will be minimized and shown in a small window that can be moved around the screen.
Conclusion
WhatsApp new improvements for calls feature in 2022, making it more seamless, convenient, and secure than ever. Users can now make calls with up to 32 people, mute or message participants, share call links, and enjoy a new and improved calling interface. WhatsApp is also working on some other features, such as picture in picture on iOS, to further enhance the calling experience. As always, all calls on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted by default to protect users’ privacy and safety.