WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, is set to unveil new features that will enhance user experience. Recent beta releases have brought forth a range of improvements, including the ability to send high-definition (HD) pictures, an upgraded user interface (UI), and screen sharing for Android. Now, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has introduced video messaging and an enhanced callback feature, catering to the evolving needs of its users.
According to WABetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp Beta release for Android and iOS empowers selected beta testers with the ability to send video messages. Unlike pre-recorded videos commonly shared on the platform, video messages are real-time visual recordings. Users can easily identify if this feature is available to them by observing the transformation of the microphone button within the chat bar into a video camera button. Once this change occurs, they can send recorded video messages at any time. By clicking on the video, recipients can enlarge it and listen to the audio. However, it should be noted that both the sender and the recipient must have the latest version of WhatsApp to fully utilize this functionality.
Security is a paramount concern for WhatsApp, and therefore, video messages are always end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that only the participants can access them. Presently, direct forwarding of video messages is not supported, but users can save them through screen recording software and share them as media files. Notably, the “view once” mode is not yet available for video messages.
The video messaging feature is currently accessible to some beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta versions: version 23.12.0.71 on the TestFlight app for iOS and version 2.23.13.4 on Google Play Store for Android. While users can still record videos and send them as before, this new functionality offers a more convenient and instantaneous way to communicate through real-time recordings. Although an exact timeline is unknown, it is expected that this feature will be gradually rolled out to more users in the near future.
In addition to video messages, WhatsApp has introduced an enhanced callback feature in its beta apps. Users of the Windows beta app version 2.2323.1.0, as reported by WABetaInfo, can now call back someone immediately upon receiving a missed call. This functionality may also be available in version 2.2322.1.0 of the app.
Similar to video messaging, the enhanced callback feature is currently limited to select beta users. When a missed call occurs, users will notice a new button alongside the event button, allowing them to quickly initiate a callback. This feature streamlines the native Windows app, enabling users to promptly respond to missed calls.
To check if they have access to the enhanced callback functionality, users can update their WhatsApp Beta for Windows through the Microsoft Store. Over the next few weeks, it is expected that the feature will gradually become available to a wider user base.
WhatsApp remains committed to providing its users with innovative features that enhance their communication experience. With the introduction of video messaging and the enhanced callback functionality, WhatsApp continues to evolve and cater to the diverse needs of its user community.