WhatsApp is getting a huge update and it's a game-changer
WhatsApp, used by millions around the world to chat to mates, family, and colleagues, is getting a brand new update that could be an absolute game-change.
Owned by Facebook's parent company Meta, the messaging service is incredibly popular in the United Kingdom - particularly for its end-to-end encryption.
This week, bosses at WhatsApp announced a new update is now coming to the platform which they hope will make the app even more popular than it already is - especially after a recent update left some wanting to 'delete the app'.
What is WhatsApp introducing?
WhatsApp is always updating the app in little ways here and there, including to fix issues that left people 'mortified'.
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The latest update will be rolled out across devices over the next few weeks; something that is usually done region by region across the world.
On the update itself, it could be a game-changer for how people communicate - while also potentially making other apps redundant in the eyes of the consumer.
So, say hello to screen sharing.
What does that mean?
If you've not been part of a call in recent years where you've shared a screen or had one shared with you, you've lived under a rock.
Since the Covid pandemic, platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet have allowed us to communicate with people - socially and professionally - while also doing presentations that would usually take place in person.
That's thanks to sharing screens.
WhatsApp is now rolling this feature out, transforming the platform in to something much more like Zoom going forward.
Where can I use it?
It'll be available on both your phone and desktop version of WhatsApp, which will be a huge boost to those who have moved to using WhatsApp Web.
And on the same subject, the update is bringing about a massive change for desktop WhatsApp with video calls hosting up to 32 people now a thing - mirroring a setting already available for phone users.
The last major change in the update will be the addition of a feature called 'speaker spotlight'. This will highlight the video call box of the person talking and make sure they appear first on your screen, no matter the size.
Speaking to the Express, WhatsApp said: "We also remain relentlessly focused on audio and video quality, for clearer calls no matter where you are.
"We recently launched MLow codec which improves call reliability. Calls made on mobile devices benefit from improved noise and echo cancellation, making it easier to have calls in noisy environments, and video calls have higher resolution for those with faster connections.
"Audio is crisper overall, even if you have poor network connectivity or are using an older device."
Tom Earnshaw