WhatsApp values privacy, yet it doesn’t always get it right. Fortunately, it is adjusting a problem in video calling.
WhatsApp is not only a convenient app for sending (voice) messages, but also ideal for video calling. Yet there is one major annoyance that is still unresolved. Fortunately, the company now seems to have a solution for that.
This is because when you receive a video call, your camera turns on immediately. That’s not exactly privacy-friendly and can be an unpleasant surprise if, for example, you just got out of bed or haven’t done your hair yet. That is now changing.
WhatsApp is going to better protect your privacy
When you use WhatsApp to video call, your own image appears immediately as soon as you accept a call. This is in contrast to FaceTime, where you can choose whether to record only with your voice or immediately turn on your camera.
That choice is a nice addition, because there are plenty of times when you’d rather not appear on screen right away. Think of situations where you just got out of the shower or are just having a bad hair day.
(Image: Unsplash/Dima Solomin)
WhatsApp is currently testing this feature in the beta version for Android, version 2.25.73. When someone calls you, the “Turn off your video” option will appear under your profile picture. With one tap, you can then answer a call without turning on your camera. If you do want to answer with video, press the green button or swipe up, reports Android Authority.
Since the feature is still in the testing phase, it is still unclear when it will become available in the regular version. It remains to be seen exactly how long that will take.
WhatsApp invests heavily in video calls
But more new features are coming. WhatsApp wants to make your video calls more fun with emojis. This is another feature the messaging service seems to have copied from Apple. In fact, there you can use hand gestures to summon emojis during a conversation.
As with iMessage, you will soon be able, for example, to raise your thumb to see a virtual thumb on the screen. It will also be possible to raise your hand to automatically notify the conversationalist that you want to ask something.
This feature is also currently in the beta version, so it is still unknown exactly when we can expect it.
