WhatsApp unveiled a series of enhancements to its video calling functionality for both mobile and desktop users on Thursday. The app has increased the participant capacity for group video calls to 32, a significant rise from the prior limit of just eight participants on the WhatsApp Desktop application. Alongside this expansion, users can now share audio while sharing their screens during calls.
WhatsApp Enhances Video Call Features for Users
In an informative blog post, the Meta-owned messaging service stated that the latest update includes enhancements to screen sharing capabilities. Participants will now be able to share any audio accompanying videos while screen sharing, enhancing the collaborative experience.
WhatsApp confirmed that the number of participants who can engage in video calls has been standardized across all devices. Mobile users can now host calls with up to 32 participants, aligning with desktop users who previously faced the eight-participant limitation.
A new feature, dubbed the ‘speaker spotlight,’ will also be introduced, which aims to highlight the active speaker during video calls. This function is expected to be particularly beneficial in larger group settings, making it easier for participants to follow the conversation without having to sift through the participant list.
The platform has announced that these new features will start rolling out to users on both mobile and desktop platforms in the upcoming weeks.
WhatsApp Introduces New Codec for Enhanced Call Quality
Additionally, Meta Platforms has launched a new audio tool aimed at improving call quality—known as the Meta Low Bitrate (MLow) codec. This feature is designed to compress audio and video for smoother transmission over the internet, according to the company’s announcement.
While audio compression can typically degrade quality, Meta asserts that the MLow codec provides a superior experience compared to the previous open-source Opus codec. It is particularly beneficial for users on slower connections. This codec has already been implemented in other Meta platforms such as Instagram and Messenger and is now being extended to WhatsApp.
