In a bid to remain competitive amidst a pandemic that has seen the rise of video conferencing tools such as Zoom, WhatsApp has just rolled out support for eight-person video calls to its Windows desktop app.
The new feature is being welcomed wholeheartedly by users who rely on the platform for staying connected with family and friends given that the end-to-end encryption feature of WhatsApp adds an extra layer of security to online conversations.
The feature allows users to make video calls with up to 8 people at once, and includes a “Gallery View” that shows the faces of all participants in the call simultaneously. WhatsApp says that over 50 people can join the call, though the video portion is limited to 8 users.
The feature is easy to use as users can initiate eight-person video calls with just a few clicks. Simply start a WhatsApp video call with one of your contacts and then tap the “Add Participant” button in the upper-right of the screen.
The move is a challenge to Zoom, which has seen its user base skyrocket in the pandemic as people have been forced to work and study from home. Zoom has long offered 8-person video calls, but WhatsApp’s addition of its secure encryption feature could tip the scales in its favor.
WhatsApp is not the only platform where users can take advantage of 8-person video calls. Skype and Google Meet also offer 8-person calls, though neither of these platforms feature end-to-end encryption like WhatsApp.
Overall, the introduction of 8-person video calls to the WhatsApp Windows app is a welcome feature for users looking for an extra layer of security in their online conversations. It may also prove to be a challenge to Zoom, which will now have to compete with a more secure video conferencing alternative.
