WhatsApp’s latest update has brought a number of changes and new features to the popular messaging app. The headlining feature of the update is picture-in-picture support for video calls.
Picture-in-picture mode for WhatsApp is being rolled out globally
WhatsApp introduced a feature called picture-in-picture for video calls in December of last year, which was initially available only to WhatsApp Beta users. However, the feature is now available to all iPhone users with the latest update of the app, version 23.3.77 [download], which can be found in the App Store.
The picture-in-picture feature works in the same way as other video calling apps, such as Apple’s FaceTime, where the video is displayed in a small window on top of other apps when the user minimizes WhatsApp.
Along with the picture-in-picture feature, the update also adds some new capabilities to the iPhone version of WhatsApp. Users can now add captions when sending documents, and they can also add long descriptions for groups and custom avatars.
In related news, it was recently reported that the most recent beta of WhatsApp for iOS has a voice note transcription feature. With this function, the app can convert audio input into text by figuring out what was stated in the message. As a result, users who dislike listening to audio messages will be able to view the messages’ content as plain old text.
Earlier in February, the company also announced a bunch of new features for Status Updates. These include Voice status, Reactions for status, and link previews on status. The features have started being rolled out globally and they should become available to all users in the coming weeks.
Check out some other features that WhatsApp has recently over the last couple of months:
