In the communications technology landscape, WhatsApp has gradually emerged as a must-have, dominating long-time rivals such as Viber. Thanks to an intuitive interface and a robust global infrastructure, the application has captivated a large international audience, thus facilitating text, voice and video exchanges without any notable hitch. This pre-eminence has been built on a strategy of constant innovation and adaptation to user needs, allowing it to remain at the head of the pack.
WhatsApp’s latest initiative heralds a new era where the application intends to redefine its usefulness in a segment previously dominated by platforms like Zoom or FaceTime: group communications, particularly via video calls. The application recently revealed a set of features intended to optimize its use during virtual meetings. Among the innovations, we note the extension of the capacity of group video calls to 32 participants, now available on both the mobile and desktop versions. This upgrade positions WhatsApp as a strong contender for large-scale business and personal communications.
In addition to this extension, WhatsApp has improved the user experience during these calls by introducing dynamic highlighting of the speaking participant, a feature that competitors like Zoom have popularized. This approach aims to streamline communication in large groups by making exchanges more natural and organized. Another notable addition is the ability to share screen with audio simultaneously. This function was already available, but the integration of audio now offers an additional dimension, very useful for co-viewing sessions of multimedia content.
Under the technical hood, WhatsApp is not left out. The application has implemented the codec MLow to improve noise and echo cancellation, which is particularly beneficial in noisy environments. These improvements are even more crucial as call quality can now withstand less optimal network conditions, with improved audio and video quality, even at low bitrates.
All of these new features, which will be deployed in the coming weeks, could well be a game-changer for WhatsApp. The application, already popular for its messaging functionalities, thus equips itself with the necessary assets to carve out a place of choice in the field of communication tools for professionals and large gatherings of family or friends.
The impact of these innovations on the communications market could be significant. By positioning itself as a versatile platform capable of efficiently managing communications at scale, WhatsApp could not only further retain its large audience but also attract new users looking for an all-in-one solution for their business communication needs. and personal. This strategy could redefine expectations for group communication, putting pressure on others in the industry to innovate and quickly adapt to the new standards set by WhatsApp.
