WhatsApp is making strides to enhance its video calling experience with the introduction of filters and backgrounds, positioning itself as a strong competitor to established videoconferencing platforms like Zoom. With over two billion users across 180 countries, the Meta-owned messaging app is already the largest in the world, and these new features aim to make video conversations even more engaging, whether for personal or professional purposes.
New Features to Spice Up Video Calls
In a recent announcement, WhatsApp revealed the rollout of filters and backgrounds for video calls, allowing users to personalize their experience. Whether you’re trying to add a playful twist to a casual conversation or maintain privacy during a business call, these new effects offer a variety of options. The update is designed to bring a more expressive and fun element to WhatsApp’s video-calling feature, making it a compelling alternative to Zoom.
The filters, in particular, are crafted to enhance the atmosphere of video chats. They range from simple color adjustments like warm and cool tones to more artistic effects such as black & white, dreamy, and prism light. For those who enjoy a vintage feel, options like frosted glass, fish-eye, and vintage TV are available. These filters can give your video calls a unique vibe, whether you’re looking to appear more professional or add a dash of creativity.
Similarly, the addition of customizable backgrounds serves multiple purposes. They allow users to hide their actual surroundings, offering privacy during calls, which is especially useful for work-related video conferences. At the same time, backgrounds like a cozy living room, a stylish office, or even a beach sunset can help set the tone for the conversation. This feature can be both functional and aesthetic, making your video calls feel more polished and engaging.
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Simple Access, Wide Range of Options
Accessing these effects is easy. During a one-on-one or group video call, users can select the effects icon located at the top right of the screen, which opens up the available filters and backgrounds. With 10 different filters and 10 backgrounds to choose from, users can experiment with a variety of combinations to find the right look for any occasion. Some of the background options include blur, café, foodie, pebbles, and celebration, catering to both casual and formal settings.
In addition to these creative tools, WhatsApp is also introducing Touch up and Low Light options, which aim to make users feel more comfortable during video calls. The Touch up feature subtly enhances the appearance of the user, while the Low Light feature brightens up darker environments, ensuring the video quality remains high even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
WhatsApp’s Competitive Edge
WhatsApp’s introduction of these features seems to be a strategic move to attract users who may be accustomed to Zoom’s similar offerings. Zoom has long provided virtual backgrounds, especially popular during the shift to remote work, allowing users to hide cluttered rooms or unprofessional settings. By adopting this feature, WhatsApp is poised to lure users who seek more dynamic and private video call experiences without leaving their preferred messaging app.
With the roll-out of these filters and backgrounds, WhatsApp is reinforcing its position not just as a messaging app but as a versatile platform that can accommodate the evolving needs of both casual users and professionals. These enhancements are expected to be available to all users within the coming weeks, providing a fun and customizable experience for video calls across the globe.
In a world where virtual communication has become the norm, WhatsApp’s new video call features offer an exciting way to keep conversations fresh, engaging, and personal.
