WhatsApp Gets Picture-In-Picture Mode For Video Calls

WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging apps on the Internet with millions of monthly users, has just recently received an update that brings a couple new features. Chief among the changes is a new picture-in-picture mode for video calls, enabling users to see both themselves and the person they're calling. This functionality has already been available in Skype and some competing products, making it a welcomed addition to WhatsApp.

WhatsApp has been steadily pushing out updates and making announcements, the most recent being a renewed push toward enterprise customers. Earlier this week, WhatsApp announced that it will soon start testing new features for businesses, enabling them to better stay in touch with their customers and more.

While that's all still a work in progress, the company does have a new treat for its ordinary users, namely that picture-in-picture ability. Any two WhatsApp users can make a video call with each other for free over mobile networks or WiFi; picture-in-picture makes them a bit more robust, at least if you're using Android 8.0 or higher.

To use the feature, WhatsApp explains that you simply need to be in a video call, then tap back so that it switches into picture-in-picture. That mode aside, the company also says that users can now post text-only updates as statuses that remain visible to others for the duration of 24 hours. Do this by tapping the pencil icon.

SOURCE: Google Play