WhatsApp, the popular social media platform owned by Meta, has announced a new feature that allows users to share their screens during video calls. This move is seen as an effort by Meta to compete with established video-conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Skype. The screen sharing feature was initially available to Android beta testers but is now gradually rolling out to all users worldwide.
Enhanced Video Calling Experience
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, shared the news about the screen sharing feature on his Facebook and Instagram profiles. The interface of the new WhatsApp feature resembles that of Google Meet or Zoom. When users share their screen, it occupies most of the screen space, while the video call participants are displayed in small rectangular tiles on the right side. To initiate screen sharing, users simply need to tap on the arrow icon indicating the ‘share’ option.
In addition to the screen sharing feature, WhatsApp has also introduced Landscape mode for video calls, alongside the existing Portrait mode. This enhancement aims to make screen sharing more convenient by improving the legibility of texts and graphics on smartphones, which are the most commonly used devices for WhatsApp.
Rollout and Availability
Meta has already started rolling out these new features for iOS, Android, and Windows devices. While immediate access to the screen sharing feature may not be available to all users, it will gradually become accessible as Meta continues the phased rollout. Users can expect to gain access to these features in the near future.
Short Video Message Sharing
In addition to screen sharing, WhatsApp has recently introduced the ability to share short video messages on the platform. Users can access this feature by tapping on the mic icon, which is traditionally used to send voice messages. With a single tap, the mic icon transforms into a video camera icon, allowing users to send video messages of up to 60 seconds. These video messages appear in a circular format within the chat.
The Road Ahead for WhatsApp
With the introduction of screen sharing and other recent features, WhatsApp is making significant strides in enhancing its video calling capabilities. By incorporating features similar to those offered by established video-conferencing platforms, WhatsApp aims to position itself as a robust and versatile communication tool for both personal and professional use. The adoption of features like screen sharing and short video message sharing reflects WhatsApp’s commitment to evolving and meeting the changing needs of its users.
WhatsApp’s new screen sharing feature brings added functionality to its video calling experience. With the ability to share screens and the inclusion of Landscape mode, WhatsApp aims to simplify collaboration and improve the visual experience for its users. As the rollout of these features continues, WhatsApp is poised to become a stronger competitor in the video-conferencing space, offering a comprehensive suite of communication tools.
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