Key Features under Trial

• mute Button for Incoming Voice Calls: A new mute button is now accessible directly from the notification panel, allowing users to answer calls with their microphone muted.
• Disable Camera Before Answering Video Calls: This privacy-focused feature allows users to disable their camera before answering a video call.
• Emoji Reactions During Video Calls: Users can now react in real-time using emojis,similar to other video conferencing platforms.

Mute Button: A Subtle but Important Change

the new mute button for incoming voice calls is a seemingly small addition that could have a significant impact on user experience.It allows users to answer a call while keeping their microphone muted, which could prove handy in noisy environments or when users aren’t quite ready to speak. This feature is especially useful for multitaskers or those who are caught off guard by an incoming call.

Privacy First: Disabling Camera Before Video Calls

One of the moast anticipated features is the ability to disable the camera before answering a video call. This provides users with more control over their on-screen presence and adds a layer of security. Whether a user is not camera-ready or hesitant to appear on-screen when receiving a call from an unknown number, this feature offers greater privacy and protection against video-based scams.

Express yourself: Emoji Reactions in Video Calls

WhatsApp is also introducing emoji reactions during video calls, allowing users to express themselves in real-time without interrupting the conversation. This feature, similar to those found in Zoom and FaceTime, enables more expressive and engaging group video calls. It adds a fun and interactive element to the calling experience.

Availability and Rollout

These features are currently available to a limited group of users in the WhatsApp Android beta program. however, they are expected to roll out more broadly in the coming weeks. Users interested in trying out these features can sign up for the WhatsApp beta program through the Google Play Store.

Meta’s Strategy: Maintaining dominance in a Competitive Market

Meta’s ongoing efforts to enhance WhatsApp’s call functionality are part of a larger strategy to maintain its dominance in the messaging and communications space. As competitors like Telegram and Signal continue to gain traction, WhatsApp is focused on providing users with innovative features and a seamless user experience.By continuously improving its platform, Meta aims to retain its position as the leading messaging app worldwide.

Meta’s ongoing efforts to enhance WhatsApp’s call functionality come as part of a larger push to maintain its dominance in the messaging and communications space – particularly as competitors like Telegram and Signal continue to gain traction.