Meta Announces Improved Video Calling Features in WhatsApp

WhatsApp announced several feature improvements related to video calling for mobile and desktop users. The Meta-owned instant messaging platform explained that the latest update will bring improvements to screen sharing on the app. When watching videos with other participants while sharing their screen, a user will also be able to share the audio playing, according to the company. WhatsApp also revealed an increase in the number of participants who can join video calls together. While up to 32 mobile users could join the calls, the number was previously limited to eight for users on the desktop apps. It has now been made uniform across all devices and up to 32 participants can be part of a video, call irrespective of which platform a user is joining from. A new "speaker spotlight" feature will also be introduced, highlighting the current speaker on a video call. In theory, it could prove to be useful when attending video calls in large groups, enabling users to easily identify the speaker without requirin g them to go through the participant list. In addition to the video calling features, Meta Platforms also introduced a new tool which aims to improve the call quality. The feature - known as Meta Low Bitrate (MLow) codec - helps compress the audio/video captured for efficient transfer over the internet, according to Meta. Although compression often comes at a cost of quality, Meta says the MLow codec is an upgrade over the previous open source Opus codec and can improve the audio quality, especially on slow-speed connections. This codec was already available on other Meta platforms such as Instagram and Messenger, and is now being rolled out to WhatsApp. Source: Qatar News Agency