WhatsApp is unveiling a range of exciting new features and improvements that users have eagerly awaited. These updates include landscape mode support for video calls, the ability to transfer chats between devices, and more.
Landscape Mode Support for Video Calls
The popular messaging platform is now widely rolling out landscape mode support for video calls, as well as an option to silence unknown callers on iOS. With this update, users can now enjoy video calls in landscape mode, offering a more immersive experience. To enable the "silence unknown callers" feature, users can simply navigate to Settings, then Privacy, and finally Calls.
Transfer Chats to a New Device
WhatsApp is also introducing the much-awaited functionality to transfer the entire chat history to a new device. Users can now seamlessly switch to a new phone without losing their chat history. To utilize this feature, go to Settings, select Chats, and then choose "Transfer Chats to iPhone" to initiate the process.
Redesigned Sticker Tray and Avatars
Additionally, WhatsApp is rolling out a redesigned sticker tray with improved navigation. Users can now enjoy a larger collection of stickers, including more Avatars, enhancing the overall messaging experience.
Group Calls with Up to 15 Participants
WhatsApp recently introduced a new beta feature on iOS that allows users to initiate group calls with up to 15 participants. While group calls have supported up to 32 participants, this update makes it more convenient to start group calls with a larger number of friends and family.
Send High-Quality Videos
Users on iOS beta can now send high-quality videos with minor compression applied to preserve the video's original dimensions. Though the default option remains "Standard quality" for videos, users can manually select the "High-quality" option when sending videos.
Chat Migration between Android and iOS
WhatsApp has exciting news for users who want to switch between Android and iOS devices. Now, it is possible to transfer chat history between the two platforms, including individual and group chats, media, settings, and more. However, call history and display names cannot be transferred.
WhatsApp Smartwatch App for Wear OS
WhatsApp is also expanding its reach to Wear OS smartwatches, allowing users to initiate conversations, reply to messages, and take calls directly from their wrists. With this new app, Wear OS users can stay connected without relying on their smartphones.
As these new features are rolled out gradually over the coming weeks, WhatsApp continues to enhance its messaging platform, providing a more enjoyable and convenient experience for billions of active users.
