WhatsApp, the popular Meta-owned messaging platform, is rolling out a series of exciting updates to its voice and video calling services. Whether you’re making calls from your mobile or the web-based app, users can expect a more seamless, intuitive experience with improved controls and better call quality. Here’s everything you need to know about the new updates.
Improved Calling UI and Group Chat Controls for Web Users
The first set of updates comes to WhatsApp’s web-based version, bringing a much-needed overhaul to its calling interface. Users calling via the web app will notice a cleaner and more user-friendly UI (User Interface), making it easier to initiate and manage calls.
Convenient Call Controls
- Better Call Button Placement: The call button, along with the ability to create a call link and dial a number directly, has been redesigned for more convenience and better accessibility.
- Easy Call Participant Selection: One of the standout features of this update is the improved control over group calls. Instead of calling everyone in a group chat simultaneously, users can now select specific people to dial. This update ensures a more personalized and organized calling experience.
Enhanced Video Calling Experience
WhatsApp’s December update also focuses heavily on improving video calls—a feature that has become a core part of communication in the digital age. WhatsApp promises better quality and more reliable connections for both one-on-one and group video calls.
Higher Resolution and Clearer Picture
- Improved Reliability: Users will experience fewer call drops and better overall connectivity during video calls, making conversations smoother and more enjoyable.
- Higher Resolution: Video calls will now display in a higher resolution, providing a clearer picture for both one-on-one and group chats. This is great news for users who rely on WhatsApp for both personal and professional video calls.
Video Call Effects
For those who like to have a bit of fun during their video calls, WhatsApp is adding 10 new video call effects. These effects range from playful options like dog ears and noses to more creative ones like an underwater theme and a microphone for singing. Whether you’re chatting with friends or hosting a business call, these new effects bring some light-hearted fun to your conversations.
Message Drafts and Voice Message Transcripts
Alongside these calling updates, WhatsApp has also made significant improvements in other areas of its platform.
Message Drafts
WhatsApp’s Message Drafts feature, which started rolling out in November, is now available to mobile users. This feature allows you to start a message in a one-on-one thread or group chat, but if you don’t finish it, it will be saved as a draft. You’ll notice a “draft” label in your messaging list, making it easier to pick up where you left off. This feature is particularly useful when you’re interrupted or need to step away before sending a message.
Voice Message Transcripts
In addition, WhatsApp is enhancing its voice message functionality with transcriptions. For users in certain languages, WhatsApp will automatically transcribe voice messages, making it easier to read longer audio messages without having to listen to them. These transcripts will remain accessible for later reference. While the feature is optional, users can turn it off through their settings if they prefer not to use it.
When Can You Expect These Updates?
These updates started rolling out on December 12, 2024, and will continue to make their way to both mobile and desktop users in the coming days. If you haven’t noticed the updates yet, be sure to check for an app update as they become available on your device.
WhatsApp continues to improve its service by introducing new features and enhancing the overall user experience. From the more intuitive web calling interface and group chat controls to better video quality and fun call effects, these updates aim to make WhatsApp a more efficient and enjoyable platform for all users. The addition of message drafts and voice message transcriptions further demonstrates WhatsApp’s commitment to keeping users connected and improving accessibility.
Whether you’re using WhatsApp for personal calls, professional meetings, or just staying in touch with loved ones, these updates are designed to enhance your experience and make communication more seamless.
