Just in time for the holiday season, WhatsApp is rolling out a suite of new audio and video calling features for both mobile and desktop users. In a recent blog post, the Meta-owned messaging giant shared details of these updates alongside an impressive statistic – over 2 billion calls are made on WhatsApp every day.
What’s New in WhatsApp Calls?
Pick Your Participants
Group calls just got a major upgrade. Users can now handpick specific participants when initiating a group call, making it perfect for those secret holiday party plans or intimate discussions that don’t require everyone on the guest list.
Fun Video Call Effects
Building on earlier updates like night mode, WhatsApp is expanding its library of video effects. From playful puppy ears to a karaoke microphone and an underwater vibe, there’s something to match every mood. On top of that, video calls now boast higher resolution, ensuring crisper visuals for one-on-one and group interactions.
Desktop Gets a Calling Boost
Desktop users aren’t left out of the fun. With a revamped interface, the Calls tab on WhatsApp desktop now offers an intuitive layout to start calls, create call links, or dial numbers directly. These changes make staying connected to your computer smoother than ever.
Revamped Typing Indicators
In another exciting update, WhatsApp is enhancing real-time chat engagement with new Typing Indicators. This feature replaces the classic “Typing…” with dynamic visual cues, including the sender’s profile picture and an animated “…” at the bottom of your chat screen.
The upgrade truly shines in group chats. You’ll now see profile pictures of everyone typing, helping you anticipate incoming messages and craft thoughtful replies. This small yet impactful tweak adds a layer of personalisation and clarity to conversations. With these thoughtful additions, WhatsApp continues to refine how we connect, making every call and chat more engaging, intuitive, and fun, just in time for the festive season.