WhatsApp is rivalling the likes of Microsoft Teams by adding a screen-sharing feature that allows others to view your phone screen while on a video call.
Screen sharing is already possible on Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and other popular video conferencing platforms, but it represents a major step forward for WhatsApp which has kept its communications features relatively simple.
This adds another attractive feature to WhatsApp for personal communications, internal business meetings, or connecting to third-party organisations, which could draw users away from other popular platforms.
WABetaInfo, an independent and trusted Twitter news provider, made the announcement.
Introducing the update, it said: “WhatsApp keeps working on improving voice and video calls in the Android app.
“After introducing changes regarding the colour for missed calls in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.10.4 update, WhatsApp is now rolling out a new feature that allows users to easily share their screen during a video call.
“It seems this feature is available to some beta testers that install the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.19 update from the Google Play Store.”
Screenshots of the screen-sharing feature were also shared by WABetaInfo, showing how to use it.
By tapping the screen sharing tab on the bottom navigation bar, located between the flip camera and switch-off video icons, a message will appear asking whether you want to “start recording or casting with WhatsApp?”.
You then simply need to press the “Start now” button to begin sharing your screen.
From the time you start sharing your screen, everything on your screen will be recorded and shared with the viewer.
A “Stop sharing” button will appear at the centre of your screen, allowing you to end the screen-sharing session whenever you wish.
Old versions of Android or WhatsApp may inhibit the performance of the feature or prevent it from working entirely.
Currently, screen sharing may also not work in large group calls.
According to WABetaInfo, the tabs within the bottom navigation bar may appear in the following order: Chats, Calls, Communities, and Status.
The screen sharing feature plus the new tabs are reportedly available to some beta testers who install the latest WhatsApp beta for Android updates, and more users are set to receive the upgrade in the coming weeks.
Usernames Coming Soon
That’s not all. A username feature will compete with Telegram’s equivalent capability by allowing people to connect without sharing their phone numbers is in development.
The news was uncovered by WABetaInfo, while exploring the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.15 update.
Users will be able to choose a username, which may not only provide another point of contact between users but also increase privacy and security.
Although the feature is far too early in development to know exactly how it will work or the benefits it will bring, WABetaInfo is confident it will add significant value to the app: “They may allow users to communicate with businesses privately, thus safeguarding their phone numbers, or perhaps their usage will be even more extensive, allowing private communication with any user.
“Only time will provide us with further answers, but we are confident that they will revolutionize the way we communicate on WhatsApp in the future.”
It was also able to confirm that end-to-end protection will be in place for conversations taking place via usernames.
WhatsApp usernames will be released to beta testers in a future app update, the news source announced.
The instant messaging and VoIP service has been making moves to expand its geographical reach, enabling payments via the app in both Brazil and Singapore.
It has also continued to develop the platform in order to compete with its rival communications platforms.
Last month, Zuckerberg included a call capacity teaser, alongside the release of Call Links for WhatsApp.
In November 2022, Soprano encouraged businesses to leverage WhatsApp, which it said has the potential to unlock global audiences.
