WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, has rolled out a series of new video calling features just in time for the holiday season. The updates, which include participant selection for group video calls, improved resolution, and a redesigned call tab on the desktop app, aim to make WhatsApp a more viable option for both personal and professional video calls.

The new participant selection feature allows users to choose specific individuals from a group chat to join a video call, rather than automatically including the entire group. This feature is particularly useful when only a select few are available to talk or when planning a surprise for someone in the group. Additionally, WhatsApp has introduced new video call effects, such as puppy ears, underwater scenes, and karaoke microphones, to make video calls more engaging and fun.

The desktop app has also received a significant overhaul, with a redesigned call tab that prominently displays buttons to start a call, create a new call link, and call a number. Furthermore, WhatsApp has improved the resolution of video calls across both one-on-one and group calls on both mobile and desktop platforms.

These updates are part of WhatsApp's ongoing efforts to enhance its video calling capabilities and position itself as a viable alternative to popular video conferencing platforms like Google Meet and Zoom. In the past year, WhatsApp has made significant strides in this area, including adding support for up to 32 participants, introducing a speaker spotlight feature, and enabling screen sharing with audio.

The implications of these updates are significant, particularly for organizations that rely on WhatsApp for internal communication. With these new features, WhatsApp is poised to become a more attractive option for work-related video calls, offering a more seamless and engaging experience for users.

As the world becomes increasingly reliant on digital communication, WhatsApp's efforts to enhance its video calling features are a welcome development. With its massive user base and reputation for ease of use, WhatsApp is well-positioned to become a leading platform for video calls, both personal and professional.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how WhatsApp's new features impact the video conferencing landscape. One thing is certain, however: with these updates, WhatsApp has taken a significant step forward in its mission to become the go-to platform for video calls.