WhatsApp is working on two new features that is expected to enhance the user experience.
The first feature is screen sharing, which will allow users to share their screens during video calls. The second feature is usernames, which will enable users to select a unique username attached to their account.
Screen Sharing
The screen sharing feature will be accessible to users who install the Android 2.23.11.19 update.
After updating the app, users will notice a new icon in the call control view during a video call. The moment the user chooses to share their screen, everything visible on their device’s display will be recorded and shared with the recipient. The feature also records the portion of the call that is shared.
WhatsApp’s screen sharing feature is similar to those found on work-centric video call platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
The feature is useful for playing games, sharing photos, or troubleshooting technical issues with friends and family. However, the newly introduced screen sharing feature may not work on older versions of the Android system.
Also, it might not function in large group calls. WABetaInfo reports that the screen sharing feature is now available for users with WhatsApp beta app for Android.
Usernames
As recently reported, the username feature was spotted in the beta version 2.23.11.15 for Android. The feature allows WhatsApp users to select a unique username attached to their account.
Conversations that are started using a username are end-to-end encrypted. This feature could mean that in the future, users could find each other by their usernames instead of using a phone number.
The introduction of usernames could be a huge change for WhatsApp, which has always relied on phone numbers to identify users. The feature could also make it easier for users to find and connect with each other, especially if they don’t want to share their phone numbers.
These two upcoming features are exciting developments that will enhance the user experience. The screen sharing feature will be useful for playing games, sharing photos, or troubleshooting technical issues with friends and family. The username feature will make it easier for users to find and connect with each other, especially if they don’t want to share their phone numbers.
While the screen sharing feature is currently only available to select Android beta testers, it should roll out to more users soon. The username feature is still in beta testing, and it’s unclear when it will be available to all users. Nonetheless, these features are a step in the right direction for WhatsApp, which continues to innovate and improve its platform.
