Leading instant messaging application WhatsApp has unveiled a new screen-sharing feature for users. Intended to improve the app’s video call experience, this feature also implies that WhatsApp will now compete with videoconferencing products like Google Meet, Microsoft Team, Apple’s FaceTime Time, and Zoom.
As announced by Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg today, this feature allows users to share files like documents and photos. They can also share their shopping cart with phone contacts through video calls. To enable the feature, users must click the Share icon. At this point, they will then choose whether to share the whole screen or a particular app.
Regarding availability, WhatsApp revealed that the screen-sharing ability will be accessible on Android, iOS, and Windows Desktop formats. However, the roll-out will occur in batches. As such, some users may get it sooner than others.
Meanwhile, the app also unveiled a Landscape mode for video calls that allow users in portrait mode to have a more realistic experience. It’s worth noting that the screen-sharing feature isn’t exactly new considering that some beta users had access to it in May 2023.
As reported by WABetaInfo, a site dedicated to discovering new WhatsApp features before their launch, those who installed the Android 2.23.11.1 update from Google Play Store would get it. This happened in May.
Screen-sharing is mostly used by teams, enabling them to collaborate virtually. While the likes of Google Meet and Teams already offer this service, it’ll be interesting to see how the Meta-owned product performs. After all, it’s more of a consumer technology platform than a productivity app.
Read also: WhatsApp now lets you send short video messages in chats
WhatsApp is keen on staying competitive
With the digital space saturated with multiple apps, companies are experimenting with strategies to retain customers and attract more. It’s no surprise that WhatsApp has been launching several new features that bring new functionalities for consumers. Four months ago, it announced some fresh security features designed to improve users’ privacy. They are additional alerts, back-end invisible checks, and automated security code verification.
Interestingly, rivals already offer some of WhatsApp’s new features. In May, the platform rolled out a “polls” feature that enables users to get their contacts’ opinions on things like their availability. Telegram had a similar offering. WhatsApp recently allowed users to include captions when sharing documents, a functionality Slack already offers.
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