WhatsApp has made feature updates for the past couple of weeks due to the widespread misinformation that's been plaguing social media. For example, users can now search their messages on the web to verify if it contains fake news, and in India, videos sent to a user's status decreased to 15 seconds.
Now a new report claims that WhatsApp is rolling out another feature update. The feature is reportedly on beta, and some users are already using it.
WhatsApp's newest update is centered on its Call button in groups. If you belong to a small group with four people, you can start a direct call without having to choose who the participants will be -- they are all automatically added in the call. The platform is also testing a new feature that expands its group call limit, intending to allow up to 8 people in a video or voice call.
The new feature is reportedly available to all users who have the latest Android and iOS beta update installed. That would be the 2.20.133 beta from Google Play and the 2.20.50.25 iOS beta update from TestFlight.
Note that other participants need to install the same OS versions so they can be added in the group call, which can be done in two methods:
The first involves opening the Calls tab, tapping the Call button, and then selecting New group call. From there you can choose the people you want to converse with. For the second option, WhatsApp will ask which contacts you want to talk to if the number of participants is higher than the original 4-people limit. Otherwise, your call will start directly. Participants not found in your address book will not be added in the call.
If you haven't found this feature yet, don't fret: WhatsApp isn't rolling the update in a single wave -- it's doing it gradually. The new feature should be available soon though, albeit the lack of confirmation from WhatsApp.
The new limit is a great addition to WhatsApp's features, though -- you can talk to more friends and members of the family. It's a great way to keep up with today's new norm, wherein our movements are limited due to social distancing guidelines. Now, there's another option apart from Zoom.
Calls made using WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted, so Facebook and third parties won't be able to snoop in and listen to your calls. If the update does arrive, take advantage of it!
