WhatsApp enhances calling features with new update

WhatsApp is introducing a series of new features designed to enhance user experience, making it easier for people to stay connected as the holiday season approaches. These updates, announced in a blog post by the company, focus on improving call management, video calling, and overall functionality across devices.

One of the standout features is the ability to select specific participants when initiating a call from a group chat. Previously, when users started a group call, it would automatically include everyone in the chat. With the new update, users can now choose who to include in the call, giving them more control over their conversations. This is particularly useful when users want to discuss something with a smaller group without disturbing others in the chat.

Meta has also rolled out an array of new effects for video calls, bringing the total to ten. These effects aim to make video calls more fun and engaging, offering users more ways to personalize their virtual interactions. Additionally, video calls will now be more reliable and offer better resolution, regardless of whether users are on desktop or mobile devices, ensuring a higher-quality experience across platforms.

For desktop users, WhatsApp has improved the calls tab. It now includes options to start a call, create a call link, or directly dial a number, making it easier for users to initiate calls from their computers.

WhatsApp has also introduced a new feature that displays a “three-dancing dots” indicator when someone is typing in a chat. This visual cue, similar to those on other messaging platforms, lets users know when someone is actively composing a message in both individual and group chats.

These changes come after a recent WhatsApp outage, which caused disruptions for users, preventing them from sending or receiving messages. With the new updates, WhatsApp aims to address some of these frustrations while improving the overall user experience, especially as the app continues to be a vital communication tool during the busy holiday season.