The popular messaging application WhatsApp has begun the deployment of a renewed interface for calls and video calls Which, according to several sources, represents one of the most notable visual and functional changes in recent years. With the goal of improving the experience and privacy control, the company is introducing new options for managing how users participate in conversations, both audio and video, and reorganizing visual elements to make the process more intuitive and flexible.
This change, which is currently available primarily in the Android beta, reflects a trend of constant adjustments to the interface and privacy with the intention of adapting to the expectations and everyday situations of those who use the app daily. Initial tests suggest that these improvements could soon be available on all devices and operating systems, although the first to experience them will be users of the Early Access program.
New ways to start calls and video calls
One of the main user complaints It has always been about being able to more flexibly manage how and when to participate in a call. Starting with this update, WhatsApp allows you to answer a call or video call without having to automatically activate your microphone or camera. This feature gives greater control and privacy, allowing you to accept with audio only or decide whether to activate the camera after answering.
In the case of voice calls, users now have at their disposal a mute button that appears immediately upon accepting the call. This is especially useful in situations where you can't speak immediately or need time to prepare before starting the conversation. The caller sees that the other person has accepted, even if they aren't yet ready to speak, providing greater convenience and control for both parties.
This novelty also strengthens privacy, as the user decides at all times when to start talking or when to activate the camera, without pressure or surprises. Until now, accepting a video call meant automatically turning on the camera, which could be undesirable in informal settings or unexpected situations. The update eliminates this unwanted exposure and adjusts the operation to the real needs of users.
Interface redesign: more intuitive and visually refreshed navigation
The redesign also covers important graphical and organizational changes to the interface. Main buttons, such as the one to start a new chat or call, have been relocated for easier access and to minimize distractions. On both Android and iPhone, the color palette is softer and better suited to dark mode, while floating icons and elements improve accessibility. The overall feel is of a cleaner, simpler interface, with fewer superfluous elements and more functions at hand.
One of the highlights is the new specific menu for calls, where you can access your history, create direct links to invite other participants, or add more people to a call from any private chat thanks to the new "Add to Call" icon. With this, WhatsApp aims to streamline the management of group and individual meetings, simplifying the incorporation of multiple users into a single call.
Group calls also improve With options like the "Online" indicator, which shows how many people are online in real time, this helps you decide when to start a group call or who's available, without revealing specific details about the participants. This feature also makes it easier to manage the number of attendees and better control interaction in these group settings.
Technical improvements: quality, reliability and new ways of interacting
In terms of performance, WhatsApp has implemented substantial improvements in connection technology. Thanks to a more efficient routing system and intelligent bandwidth detectionThe app reduces dropped calls, freezes, and frame rates. When conditions are favorable, video quality can be automatically upgraded to HD, offering a clearer and more enjoyable viewing experience.
iPhone users will be able to enjoy a zoom gesture in video calls This allows you to zoom in by simply spreading your fingers apart on the screen, making it easier to focus on specific details or during group video calls. Additionally, it will be possible to add new participants during an ongoing call without interrupting the conversation, thanks to the ability to add participants from existing chats.
In relation to non-verbal communication, the following are introduced: Real-time reactions with emojis during video callsParticipants can express agreement, surprise, or sympathy visually, without interrupting the speaker. These reactions appear briefly on screen and then disappear, following a behavior similar to virtual meeting platforms. This feature enriches group interaction and maintains the natural flow of the conversation.
Privacy and adaptations to everyday life
From Meta they emphasize that these changes are aimed at offering more control over privacy and participationNew features allow users to answer calls in noisy environments or at inconvenient times, and provide a level of flexibility to listen or participate based on their preferences. The option to accept with audio only or delay camera activation helps avoid awkward situations and maintain safe conversations.
Also incorporated notification and event management toolsUsers can now create reminders or schedule meetings directly in any chat, set starred notifications, and pin important events to conversations. These features make it easier to stay organized and remember commitments, while also reducing the influx of irrelevant alerts. Customizing notifications helps you focus on what's truly important.
Although initial testing is underway on Android, these updates are expected to roll out soon to iOS and other operating systems. WhatsApp's standard policy is to roll out these features in stages to gather feedback and refine them before global distribution, ensuring a consistent and satisfying user experience.
This redesign seeks to consolidate WhatsApp As a leading mobile communications platform, it adapts to today's needs for privacy, quality, and personalization. The combination of visual and functional improvements seems like the right strategy to remain relevant in such a competitive and dynamic environment.