WhatsApp introduces new features to enhance the audio quality on its platform. “Calling Update” will be available for its users in the coming weeks. The instant messaging platform has introduced 3 new features, including screen sharing with audio, a speaker spotlight, and a higher participant count. WhatsApp also gave an account about the use of Meta’s Low Bitrate (MLow) audio codec to make audio calls better.
What is MLow technology?
MLow codec provides two times better audio quality, even in poor network connectivity or older generation devices. The technology first divides the raw audio into low- and high-frequency bands for separate encoding and then makes use of shared information between bands to boost compression.
Individual bands are decrypted first, also the range encoder compresses the data for transmission. The decoder also reverses the process to recreate the audio signal from the compressed payload.
Meta’s instant messaging platform new updates includes-
Screen sharing feature
Users will be capable of sharing the audio at the same time as screen sharing with others and watching videos together. WhatsApp launched a screen-sharing support feature for video calls in August 2023. Earlier, users could share their screens, but now they can share the audio too.
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More number of participants in video calls
WhatsApp has increased the count of participants that can be added to video calls. Now, up to 32 people can be added on a video call on desktop or mobile. Before, users could include up to 8 participants on the Windows and Mac apps. With the new update, up to 32 participants can be part of the group video calls on both desktop and mobile. This feature is similar to Apple’s FaceTime, which allows iOS users to add up to 32 participants during video calls.
Speaker spotlight
The new feature also highlights who is talking as a speaker automatically on the screen.
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This technology has significantly improved audio quality on low-end devices while securing calls with end-to-end encryption. The audio-enhancing technology is already available for Instagram and Messenger apps and will be available for WhatsApp soon.
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Simran Akhouri is a postgraduate in journalism from the University of Delhi. She has developed strong writing skills that allow her to convey stories. She is passionate about uncovering the truth and delivering it to the public in an engaging and accessible manner.
