WhatsApp adds new features to the calling experience, including screen sharing and speaker spotlight
WhatsApp has introduced new features to enhance the video calling experience for its users. These updates include screen sharing with audio support and a speaker spotlight feature. Additionally, the platform has increased the limit for video call participants to up to 32 people.
Screen Sharing with Audio Support
Last year, WhatsApp introduced screen-sharing support for video calls. Now, the instant messaging app has enhanced this experience by enabling users to share audio alongside their screen. This new feature allows users to watch videos with their contacts during a WhatsApp call.
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Increased Participant Limit
One of the significant updates to WhatsApp's video calling feature is the expanded participant limit. Users can now have up to 32 people on a single video call across devices. Previously, the participant limit was 32 on mobile devices, 16 on Windows, and 8 on macOS.
Comparison with Other Platforms
WhatsApp's expanded video calling support aligns with Apple's FaceTime, which also allows up to 32 participants on video calls. In comparison, Google Meet and Zoom offer support for up to 100 participants, even on their basic tiers.
Image Credits: WhatsApp will take on FaceTime with video calling feature
Speaker Spotlight Feature
Another new addition to WhatsApp's video calling feature is the speaker spotlight. This feature automatically highlights the participant who is speaking during a video call, making them appear prominently on the screen.
Meta Low Bitrate (MLow) Codec
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has introduced the Meta Low Bitrate (MLow) codec to improve call reliability, especially in cases of poor network connectivity or older devices. This proprietary codec offers twice the audio quality of the previous codec, Opus, while maintaining lower computational complexity.
The MLow codec has already been implemented on Instagram and Messenger calls and is now being rolled out on WhatsApp to enhance the calling experience across Meta's platforms.
Image Credits: How to make group video calls in WhatsApp with up to eight people ...
