WhatsApp today introduced improved calling features—including the ability to video chat with up to 32 people at a time.
That’s four times the previous amount. To help calm the inevitable chaos, the app will let you mute or message specific members without disrupting the group. Long-pressing on a participant opens their video or audio feed, allowing you to silence distracting background noise, or separately text them to start a new conversation.
And whether you accidentally omitted a loved one or want to get another colleague’s opinion, invite more people after a call has started by sharing a WhatsApp call link.
Rival chat apps also support video chats with 32+ people, including FaceTime and Signal.
Also in this update: colorful waveforms that come to life when someone whose camera is off speaks and in-call banner notifications that alert users to new group chat members. WhatsApp is also beta testing picture-in-picture on iOS, with plans to roll it out in the new year.
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“As always, all calls on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted by default to protect people’s privacy and safety,” WhatsApp says(Opens in a new window). “We’ll keep making improvements next year as we continue supporting high-quality, private calling on WhatsApp wherever you are in the world.”
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