WhatsApp is testing new video calling and privacy features
WhatsApp has begun testing new audio and video calling options for its Android users. This revelation comes from WABetaInfo, who discovered these features in WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.25.10.16.
The first is the mute button for an incoming voice call. It appears in the notification panel and allows users to answer the call while muting the microphone. We’re not sure exactly how useful this will be. Perhaps in noisy environments? Tell us how you would use this feature in the comments below.
The second feature applies to incoming video calls. It allows you to turn off the camera before answering the video call. This is useful for users who need a few seconds to prepare before going on camera, or who don’t want to appear on camera at all. It also increases privacy when receiving calls from unknown numbers, as you won’t appear on the screen immediately after answering the video call.
The third feature is emoji reactions for video calls. This allows video call participants to react in real time with emojis. These features are available to some WhatsApp for Android beta testers and will be rolled out to more users in the coming weeks.
WhatsApp can now prevent auto-save of media
WhatsApp is also working on a new privacy feature, which was already introduced in the latest beta version for Android. Development will take some time, so don’t expect to get it immediately. Once you use the feature, you can enable enhanced privacy settings. This means your conversation partners won’t be able to automatically save media to their devices.
WhatsApp normally automatically saves all media you receive on your smartphone or tablet. Once this feature is implemented, you’ll be able to prevent this from happening on other people’s phones as well, as shown in the screenshot above.
This is the same behavior that already applies to disappearing messages. What’s new is that you can also enable the feature for regular messages and associated media. The feature also restricts the export of full chat histories from chats with users who have enabled this new setting. However, it does not prevent message forwarding.
If you enable this “enhanced chat privacy,” participants in a chat with you will not be able to use Meta AI in any way. Of course, WhatsApp may expand this feature during development. Once the feature is available to everyone, it will be optional.
