Meta’s WhatsApp has unveiled an exciting new feature to elevate its video-calling experience, placing it in direct competition with established video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Meet, Google Meet, Zoom, and Apple’s FaceTime.
In a recent announcement made by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg via a Facebook post and Instagram, WhatsApp has introduced screen sharing as a significant enhancement to its video-calling capabilities. This feature allows users to seamlessly share documents, images, and even shopping carts with their contacts while engaged in video calls.
Originally released as a beta version for select Android users in late May, the screen sharing functionality can be easily accessed by tapping the “Share” icon. Users can opt to share a specific application or their entire screen, mirroring the functionality found in leading video-conferencing platforms such as Google Meet and Zoom.
WhatsApp has confirmed that the rollout of the screen-sharing feature has commenced gradually across Android, iOS, and Windows Desktop platforms. This staged approach ensures that while the feature might not be immediately visible to all users, it will soon become accessible to a wider audience.
Accompanying the screen-sharing feature is the introduction of video-calling support in Landscape mode, a significant improvement over the existing Portrait mode. This addition aims to provide a more immersive and expansive viewing experience, which will prove especially beneficial when utilizing the screen sharing feature.
WhatsApp has consistently evolved its video-calling service since its inception over six years ago in November 2016. With recent updates, such as enabling picture-in-picture mode for video calls on iOS and facilitating the sharing of short video messages within chats, the platform is keen on remaining competitive and relevant in the evolving communication landscape.
While screen sharing has been a prevalent feature in video-conferencing apps, WhatsApp has taken it a step further by extending this functionality to users across Android, iOS, and desktop platforms. This inclusivity mirrors Apple’s introduction of SharePlay in 2021, enhancing FaceTime with screen sharing for iOS users. However, WhatsApp’s move stands out by making this feature universally accessible across different devices and operating systems.
WhatsApp’s introduction of screen sharing during video calls marks a significant step towards enhancing the platform’s user experience. By integrating this versatile feature and continuously improving its video-calling capabilities, WhatsApp remains at the forefront of modern communication trends and technologies.
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