Video Calling From WhatsApp Expands the Experience With New Screen Sharing and Landscape Mode

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is taking significant leaps in the realm of video conferencing with the introduction of a new screen-sharing feature. Recently announced by Mark Zuckerberg, this feature positions WhatsApp to compete head-on with established video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and Google Meet. Initially tested by Android beta testers, the roll-out of this feature is gradually extending its reach to all users across the globe. 

The look and feel of the newly introduced screen-sharing feature is seemingly on par with the interfaces of Google Meet and Zoom. Once a user shares their screen, it occupies the majority of display space with small video tiles of other participants perched on the right side of the screen. The initiation of screen sharing is simple and straightforward, with a click of an arrow icon symbolizing the 'share' option. This user-friendly design undoubtedly puts the execution of multi-location meetings or personal calls at the user's fingertips.

In addition to screen sharing, WhatsApp has also rolled out a Landscape mode to use during video calls, supplementing the existing Portrait mode. On the most widely used device for WhatsApp – the smartphone, this update proves especially advantageous. It enhances the readability of texts and graphics during screen sharing, allowing for a more immersive and convenient user experience.

These new features, promising an enriched experience in video calls, are being rolled out across iOS, Android, and Windows devices. Meta announced that users who don't see these features yet should not fret. The phased rollout ensures the availability of these features soon. With this gradual release, Meta seems to be emphasizing a seamless transition for users, maintaining their comfort and familiarity with the app. 

On the heels of introducing the screen-sharing feature and landscape mode, WhatsApp made another stride by enabling users to share short video messages on the platform. This feature can be engaged by clicking the microphone icon, a familiar tool used to send voice messages. One tap switches the icon to a video camera, facilitating users to record and send video messages, capped at 60 seconds, which appear circularly in the chat. This array of updates is certainly reshaping the way we communicate, paving the way to a dynamic, interactive, and real-time platform for users worldwide. 

With the pace at which Whatsapp is releasing new features and updates, one can only anticipate that this is just the beginning of the innovation wave from the Meta-owned social network platform. Remaining attentive to user needs and preferences while simultaneously pushing the envelope of technological possibilities, Meta is seeking to keep its users engaged and captivated. These advancements not only elevate the user experience but also place Whatsapp in a stronger position amidst the competitive video conferencing space.