WhatsApp, a popular messaging service owned by Meta, launched a new voice call function on Friday, June 17. Users can now mute and even message other users who are taking part in a group voice call, thanks to the new update.
New Functionalities
Unlike before, Whatsapp users will display notifications anytime a new person joins the group call even though the application is inactive.
Through his Twitter account, William Cathcart, Meta's Head of WhatsApp, officially announced the new functionalities on Friday, June 17.
Some new features for group calls on @WhatsApp: You can now mute or message specific people on a call (great if someone forgets to mute themselves!), and we've added a helpful indicator so you can more easily see when more people join large calls. pic.twitter.com/fxAUCAzrsy
— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) June 16, 2022
According to Meta, this new functionality will let users, mute other participants, to reduce background noise during a group session, similar to features in Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
However, the latter apps do not provide an option for users to mute whoever they want while the call is on. Instead, they only limit the mute option for the host.
WhatsApp's new feature will upgrade the host's control, especially for noisy meetings that include up to a maximum of eight people on video calls and 32 participants on voice calls.
The new update will also enable group call members to message each other while the call is ongoing, which is perfect for multitasking if you want to talk to your workmates or friends while still listening to the ongoing call.
Android Central noted that the functionality to silence others in a group call is very useful, especially for a popular messaging app like WhatsApp. The Meta-owned platform has included several features for its groups, such as summoning up to 32 people at once in a call.
Additionally, the option to have more than 500 persons in a group call was also enabled, doubling from the previous 256 members.
WABetaInfo also reported that the new function to mute someone during a call is not only limited to the person who initiated the group conversation. Instead, other participants can also get their hands on the feature by muting anyone throughout the call as well.
Read also: WhatsApp Data Transfer From Android To iPhone Now Possible! Here's How To Migrate Your Information
New Privacy Protections
WhatsApp has also unveiled new privacy protections for the messaging platform, in addition to these new group call options. Users can now choose people from their contact list and determine whether or not they should be able to see their profile photo, about section, seen status, and other account information.
These new features are now available for WhatsApp users on both iOs and Androids.
Related Article: Beware WhatsApp Users! New Scam Can Seize Your Account After One Phone Call
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Joaquin Victor Tacla
