WhatsApp to Introduce Screen Sharing on Video Calls

WhatsApp, recognized as one of the top encrypted messaging apps, has gained its reputation by continually adding a wide range of features. Recently, the messaging platform, owned by Meta, has introduced valuable additions such as message editing, Chat Lock, and improved polling capabilities. The latest reports suggest that WhatsApp is currently focusing on enhancing video calls by incorporating screen sharing functionality into its platform.

The addition of screen sharing in WhatsApp’s video calls would enable users to display their phone’s screen during a call. This feature would be particularly useful when discussing important slides or documents, as well as when remotely assisting friends or family in diagnosing issues with their phones. It provides a convenient and practical solution for sharing visual content and troubleshooting scenarios during WhatsApp video calls.

WABetaInfo discovered an initial preview of the screen sharing feature in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android v2.23.11.19 update. Other widely used messaging apps like Telegram, FaceTime, and Google Meet already provide a similar screen sharing feature. While specific system requirements and limitations remain uncertain, it is possible that this feature may not be accessible during group video calls and on older Android devices.

In consideration of security and privacy concerns, it is improbable that WhatsApp’s screen sharing feature will be able to display content from apps that have set FLAG_Secure. This flag, which is utilized by password managers and streaming apps, prevents unauthorized capturing or sharing of their content. As a result, these apps’ protected content is unlikely to be visible during screen sharing on WhatsApp.

As part of the ongoing developments, the latest WhatsApp beta version introduces changes to the order of the bottom navigation bar. In the previous wide beta release, the tabs were arranged as Chats, Communities, Status, and Calls. However, in the latest update, some users are observing a different arrangement: Chats, Calls, Communities, and Status. This suggests that WhatsApp is still in the process of finalizing the layout for the new navigation bar on Android. It may take a few more weeks before this updated design is made available to the general public.