WhatsApp introduces 32-person video calls, chat transfer features
Technology
Meta-owned app will soon roll out these features
(Web Desk) - WhatsApp has announced a major update to its video calling features allowing users to watch videos together while on a call. This builds upon the screen-sharing feature introduced last August.
WhatsApp has increased the limit for video call participants to up to 32 people across all devices.
Previously, mobile users had a 32-person limit, while Windows and macOS users could include up to 16 and 8 participants, respectively.
This aligns WhatsApp with Apple's FaceTime, which also supports 32 participants.
A notable new feature is the speaker spotlight, which automatically highlights the person speaking during a video call, ensuring they appear prominently on the screen.
In addition to these updates, Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, has introduced the Meta Low Bitrate (MLow) codec to improve call reliability, especially in low-network conditions or on older devices.
MLow promises twice the audio quality of the previous codec, Opus, with 10% lower computational complexity.
This codec, already in use on Instagram and Messenger calls, is now being rolled out on WhatsApp to enhance calling experiences across Meta platforms.
WhatsApp has stated that these updates will be made available to all eligible users over the coming weeks.
Transfer of chats between devices
WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that will simplify the process of transferring chat history between devices without relying on Google Drive backups.
The feature, discovered in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.13.6 update, allows users to transfer chat history by scanning a QR code within the app settings.
This development suggests WhatsApp's ongoing efforts to streamline the migration process across different platforms.
The upcoming feature aims to eliminate the need for manual backups to Google Drive and the use of physical cables, which are currently required for transferring chat history between iOS and Android devices.
While specific details about the implementation of this universal transfer feature remain scarce, it appears to offer a more seamless and accessible method for users, regardless of their device's operating system.
Currently, WhatsApp supports chat history migration between iOS and Android devices through a separate section in the app, albeit with limitations for older Android versions.
The new feature promises to enhance this capability by making the migration process universally compatible across different platforms.
Although the exact release date and functionality of the feature are yet to be disclosed, its inclusion in the beta version indicates WhatsApp's commitment to improving user experience and simplifying data transfer processes.
