Although it is true that in groups of up to four people, you can make video calls in the popular instant messaging application since forever, just by pressing the WhatsApp camcorder button, these days we are more in digital contact than ever with our loved ones, many were having to go to other applications to be able to make video calls with more than four people.
Hence, WhatsApp previously reported to be working to extend the limit of participants in a group video call, beginning to implement the new feature for beta users of Android and iOS.
Thus, in the latest beta versions the limit from four to eight people for making video calls has been doubled. To obtain this capability, the user is required to install TestFlight iOS beta 2.20.50.25 update for iOS users and Google Play beta 2.20.133 for Android users. If any of the group members cannot download the latest beta versions of the app, they will not be able to take part in the group video chat. A change that, over time, will reach all users, but which, for now, will only be available to those who download the beta version of the app.
What does it mean to install the beta version?
As its name suggests, the beta version implies that it is not the final one and, therefore, carries certain risks, as we may run into errors or even that the application malfunctions.
If you are not in a hurry to try this new functionality for video calls with up to eight people, we recommend that you wait a few weeks for WhatsApp to present the formal version.
Don’t you want to wait? We tell you what you should do:
- Download the beta version (become a tester) on all devices that wish to join the call
- Go to the WhatsApp app on Google Play
- Search WhatsApp (beta)
- To update
- This will change the previous app for the beta version
- Create a group with all the participants
- Click on the camera button to the right of the group name
- Clever!
If you don’t want to create a group beforehand, the easiest way to start a call is by opening the Calls tab, then tapping the Call button; then select the New Group Call icon. If you touch it, you will see an option to select the contacts you want to add to the call.
Many beta WhatsApp users have yet to receive the update despite downloading the latest versions. This could be because WhatsApp is slowly implementing the function, but don’t worry, if you’re a tester, it will come to you sooner or later.
In response to the success of Zoom
Ever since the world came to a standstill and confined, professionals working around the world turned to Zoom, a Silicon Valley-based video conferencing platform. Although Zoom experienced the honeys of success for quite a few weeks, its flawed privacy policies soon forced many tech giants and governments to refrain from using the app. And this is where WhatsApp wants to regain ground.
Although the app only tends to be used for casual chats or with friends, its video calling facility can also be used by professionals to conduct meetings remotely if there are eight or fewer than eight members on the team.
