Tag: Video Calls

  • WhatsApp to introduce animated avatars for video calls soon

    WhatsApp to introduce animated avatars for video calls soon

    Meta’s messaging application, WhatsApp, is reportedly gearing up to introduce animated avatars for video calls. This anticipated feature, reminiscent of Apple’s Memoji, has been in development since the previous year.

    According to WABetaInfo, an independent source for real-time WhatsApp updates, the Messenger app has now unveiled the capability to use animated avatars during video calls in its latest Android beta version 2.23.19.14.

    WhatsApp is actively informing its users about this innovation through a pop-up notification. This notification provides the option to “utilise your avatar during calls,” offering the choice to either “switch to avatar” or defer the decision with a “not now” button.

    To employ this new video call avatar feature, users must select the “Switch to avatar” option. This function will replicate their facial movements and expressions in real-time through the use of an avatar character. Importantly, users retain the flexibility to disable this feature at any time through the settings, allowing them to reveal their true selves. Crucially, the introduction of the avatar feature will not compromise WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, ensuring the preservation of user safety and privacy.

    It’s worth noting that some data usage will be necessary to enhance the Avatar experience on the app. Additionally, WhatsApp is actively developing avatars for status updates, although there is no official information regarding their release at this time.

  • Elon Musk’s X to launch audio and video calls soon

    Elon Musk’s X to launch audio and video calls soon

    In a significant development for the social media landscape, Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter (now known as X), has officially announced the imminent launch of audio and video call features on the platform. 

    This revelation marks a departure from the platform’s previous attempts, which were either delayed or abandoned. Now, it appears that users can finally anticipate the long-awaited feature.

    The unveiling of this groundbreaking feature came directly from Elon Musk himself, who detailed that audio and video calls will be accessible on a wide range of devices, encompassing Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS platforms. 

    Remarkably, this feature is designed to function seamlessly without the necessity of traditional phone numbers. Instead, X will serve as a global address book, relying on user-generated usernames. In Musk’s words, “This set of factors is unique,” emphasising the distinctive nature of this forthcoming addition.

    However, Elon Musk has remained tight-lipped regarding a specific launch date for this exciting feature, simply indicating that it is “coming soon. This cryptic announcement has left users eagerly anticipating its arrival.

    Notably, this isn’t the first time Twitter (X) has teased the possibility of audio and video calls. Just last month, the company’s designer shared tantalising screenshots of what users can expect from the feature. 

    One such preview showcased a phone receiver icon prominently positioned at the top right corner of Twitter (X) direct messages (DMs), signalling the impending arrival of the functionality. Upon tapping this icon, users will be presented with the choice to initiate audio or video calls, promising a more immersive and interactive communication experience.

    As the tech world eagerly awaits further updates and a definitive release date, Twitter (X) users can anticipate a transformative shift in their social media interactions, thanks to Elon Musk’s ambitious vision for the platform’s future.

  • WhatsApp rolls out live screen sharing feature

    WhatsApp rolls out live screen sharing feature

    Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, recently unveiled a new enhancement for WhatsApp, introducing screen-sharing functionality within video calls. This innovative feature boasts cross-platform compatibility, enabling seamless sharing of a real-time screen view with one or multiple participants engaged in the call.

    WhatsApp’s official press release articulates, “Whether sharing documents for work, browsing photos with family, planning a vacation or shopping online with friends, or just helping grandparents with tech support – screen sharing lets you share a live view of your screen during the call.”

    To access this feature, users are required to have the latest version of WhatsApp installed. While engaged in a video call, a novel ‘Share’ icon will be conspicuously positioned at the base of the screen. Upon activation, users will be prompted to authorise screen-sharing access. Subsequently, the content of their screen will be relayed to the other participant(s).

    It’s important to acknowledge that the deployment of this feature is being carried out in a phased manner. While a subset of users may already have encountered the feature within their WhatsApp interface, others may encounter a slight delay in its availability.

    Moreover, this advancement accommodates landscape mode for video calls, ensuring an expansive and immersive viewing experience. This capability proves particularly advantageous when sharing content from desktop platforms, providing a broader perspective.

    WhatsApp’s screen-sharing functionality extends its utility to group video calls as well, amplifying its relevance in professional scenarios. Users who previously relied on alternative platforms such as Google Meet and Zoom for screen-sharing purposes can now seamlessly integrate this function within the WhatsApp ecosystem.