WhatsApp Enables Group Calls to Enhance User Experience: WhatsApp, a subsidiary of Meta, has unveiled a new feature to improve group calling functionality. The platform has consistently introduced numerous updates and features, with the recent global rollout of WhatsApp Channels, including in India.
The latest addition is the capability for WhatsApp group calls to accommodate up to 31 participants, doubling the previous limit of 15. This enhancement is geared explicitly towards refining the group calling experience.
WhatsApp Now Permits Group Calls with Up to 31 Participants
According to a report from WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to initiate group calls with up to 31 participants.
The report also mentions some minor adjustments to the calls tab, which are available for beta testing in the updated version 2.23.19.16.
Before the introduction of group calls accommodating 31 participants, WhatsApp allowed calls with up to 15 participants, an improvement from the previous limit of seven. This represents WhatsApp’s dedication to ongoing development and enhancement.
Additionally, the report highlights tweaks to the calls tab interface. Call links are no longer displayed on the screen; instead, they indicate the ability to call one or more contacts.
Moreover, the floating action button, a key element in the app’s design, has been updated to a Plus Icon, making it even more user-friendly for initiating group calls and connecting with contacts.
WhatsApp Channels Launched in India
In June of this year, WhatsApp unveiled its Channels feature, inspired by Instagram, and initially launched in select regions. Under Meta’s ownership, the platform has commenced a global rollout of this feature, including its introduction in India. According to the company, WhatsApp Channels offers a secure, dependable, and confidential means to receive pertinent updates from individuals and organizations within the WhatsApp community.
In a blog post, the company expressed excitement about extending WhatsApp Channels to over 150 countries, providing a private avenue for users to stay informed. They also announced the inclusion of numerous organizations, sports teams, artists, and thought leaders that users can now follow directly within WhatsApp.”
Evolving Trends in Group Communication
Group calling has long been a feature on the WhatsApp platform. However, in its latest update, there’s been a significant increase in the participant limit, raising it from 15 to 31. This enhancement is now accessible to iOS users who have installed the most recent update from the App Store. Before this update, WhatsApp allowed group calls with up to 32 participants, but users could only initially select 15 contacts, with the option to add the rest during the call.
Given the surge in remote work and online education, there’s been a notable increase in demand for tools facilitating extensive group communication. This update underscores WhatsApp’s dedication to adapting to user needs and market trends. It fosters more inclusive communication, benefiting businesses, organizations, and social groups heavily reliant on group interaction.
Improving Social Connection
The expanded group call capacity on WhatsApp also benefits social interactions. It enables friends, family, and social circles to connect and converse with more individuals simultaneously, facilitating easier coordination of plans, sharing updates, and maintaining connections within a broader network.
While WhatsApp has offered group calling for some time, the increased participant limit brings added convenience and versatility for users. It eliminates the necessity to split larger groups into multiple calls or resort to third-party apps for group communication.
In summary, WhatsApp’s introduction of the upgraded group calling feature, accommodating up to 31 participants, marks a significant advancement in catering to users’ needs for broader group communication. By remaining competitive with rival messaging apps offering similar functionalities, WhatsApp aims to retain its user base and attract new users seeking to engage in calls with larger groups.
WhatsApp Users to Soon Have the Ability to Conceal Locked Chats
Meta’s WhatsApp is developing a forthcoming feature that will enable users to conceal their locked chats discreetly. This feature is in the developmental stages and is anticipated to be integrated into a future app update. In the existing configuration, the entry point for accessing locked chats remains visible in the chat list at all times, even when a secure conversation is present. This means that under the current setup, anyone with access to the phone may discern the existence of locked chats, although they cannot access them.
Once the forthcoming feature is enabled, users can hide the entry point for locked chats, making them accessible only by entering a secret code into the search bar. This will provide additional privacy and security for users who wish to keep sensitive chats concealed from view.
WhatsApp Group Calling
A group calling on WhatsApp now accommodates up to 32 participants, provided users are on the latest version of the app. Initially, users could only select 15 contacts when starting a group voice call.
It’s worth noting that this functionality was upgraded from supporting 7 to 15 participants, and the current stable version allows for initiating group calls with up to 15 people.
In addition to introducing the 31-participant group calling feature, WhatsApp is unveiling a revamped interface for the calls tab. According to reports, WhatsApp continues to enhance its calling experience through similar improvements in its latest updates.
Among the tweaks to the calls tab, WhatsApp no longer displays call links within the screen; instead, it simply states the ability to call one or more contacts. Furthermore, the floating action button has been updated with a plus icon.
This feature and minor enhancements to the calls tab are currently available to a limited number of beta testers. They are expected to roll out to more users over the coming weeks.
Improved Group Video Calls
As reported by WABetaInfo, the latest iOS update for WhatsApp allows users to commence group video calls with up to 32 participants, marking a significant rise from the previous cap of 15 initiators.
This upgrade delivers a smoother and more inclusive calling experience to WhatsApp users. Initially, this feature underwent testing with a restricted number of beta testers.
WhatsApp Group Calls on iOS
The latest feature is included in the 23.21.72 update for iOS, available on the App Store. Although not mentioned in the update changelog, it was identified by WABetaInfo. Users can verify the availability of the update on the App Store.
Presently, WhatsApp group calls support a maximum of 32 participants. However, users can only add 15 participants at once when initiating a group call, requiring manually adding others afterwards.
With the recent WhatsApp update on iOS, users can add up to 31 people simultaneously. To do so, navigate the calls tab and initiate a new group call. Add up to 31 individuals from your contact list to the group call. As previously noted, this feature needs to be listed in the changelog and may go unnoticed by users.
This feature may take some time to be available to all users. Users can verify its availability by following the steps above.
Silent calls
The recent update offers more than what’s mentioned on the support page, as other news reports uncover a more comprehensive feature set. TechCrunch says the Voice Chat for Larger Groups feature is “designed to be less disruptive” compared to a regular group call. Participants won’t be alerted with a ringing tone when a call begins. Instead, they’ll receive a push notification and an in-chat bubble, which they must tap to join.
At the top of the screen, users will find a set of controls where they can mute, unmute or message other participants in the group without exiting the call. Additionally, users can end the call at any time using the same controls as all messaging functions on WhatsApp; the prominent voice chats will be protected by end-to-end encryption.
WhatsApp Users to Soon Have the Option to Conceal Locked Chats
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is developing a new feature enabling users to conceal their locked chats. This feature is currently in development and is anticipated to be included in a forthcoming app update. The entry point for accessing locked chats remains visible in the chat list whenever a secure conversation exists. Consequently, anyone with access to the phone may observe the presence of locked chats, even if they cannot.
Once the new feature is activated, users can hide the entry point to locked chats, which can be revealed by entering a secret code in the search bar. This added functionality will offer an extra layer of privacy and security for users wishing to hide sensitive chats.
Initiate Group Calls with Up to 31 Participants on WhatsApp
In the latest update, version v2.23.19.16, users can initiate group calls with up to 32 participants, including the caller. Previously, the ability to conduct group calls of up to 32 participants was introduced in a previous update, but users were limited to selecting only 15 contacts when initiating such calls.
To improve user experience, the company has released a new update that enables users to promptly initiate significant group calls by selecting up to 32 participants, including themselves.
Additionally, minor adjustments have been observed after upgrading the app to the version above number. Call links are no longer displayed; instead, they indicate the possibility of calling one or more contacts. Furthermore, the floating action button has been updated with a plus icon.
This update is only accessible to select beta testers who receive it through the Play Store. However, these enhancements are expected to be available to all users within a week through a future update.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s introduction of group calls accommodating up to 31 participants significantly advances its communication capabilities. This enhancement offers users a more inclusive and convenient way to connect with larger groups for personal or professional purposes. By continuously evolving and expanding its features, WhatsApp demonstrates its commitment to meeting the changing needs of its users and maintaining its position as a leading communication platform.
