WhatsApp introduced a number of innovations during the Corona crisis. After the fight against fake news comes the expansion of group calls.
- New WhatsApp * update enables calls to eight people at the same time
- The utilization of calls via WhatsApp has increased significantly since the Corona crisis
- Users with less powerful devices should also be able to use the new function
Since the beginning of the Corona crisis, the Facebook subsidiary WhatsApp has changed functions in its messenger several times . Due to the corona pandemic, the video status function was limited to 15 seconds in India, among others . But WhatsApp didn't just respond to the increased load .
WhatsApp in the Corona crisis: New update enables calls with more people
The WhatsApp Messenger * also raised the fight against the increasing flood of fake news to a new level. WhatsApp works with health organizations * to disseminate secure information.
With its last update on Tuesday (April 28th, 2020) WhatsApp now enables a higher number of participants in group calls. And both voice as well as V ideo calls . This is supposed to facilitate conferences in times of the rampant corona virus.
WhatsApp in the Corona crisis: Messenger meets demands
On Tuesday, WhatsApp announced the entry into force of the advanced group calling feature. The messenger stated that many users had asked to be able to call more people at the same time.
Before, group calls were only possible with four people. Now the number has been doubled to eight participants.
Due to the corona crisis , the utilization of WhatsApp calls, according to WhatsApp itself, has increased significantly. According to this, people spent a total of 250 million hours a day on WhatsApp calls. That is far more than before the pandemic.
The same privacy you expect from a face-to-face conversation (remember them?) Now with up to 8 people. End-to-end encrypted. Update your WhatsApp to try it out. pic.twitter.com/xZUX60mysD
- WhatsApp Inc. (@WhatsApp) April 28, 2020WhatsApp in the corona crisis: Function also suitable for weak devices
WhatsApp emphasized that both video calls and voice calls via Messenger are encrypted end-to-end. So they should meet the same security standards as the written messages.
According to Messenger , group calls are also possible on devices with lower performance. According to Messenger, users with a poor network connection should also be able to use the function. The function was specially adapted for this.
WhatsApp in the Corona crisis: How to use the new feature
During the Corona crisis in particular , it is important for many people to be able to hold conferences via the Internet. To start a group call with twice as many people as before , one prerequisite must be fulfilled: All users who want to take part in the call must have the latest version of WhatsApp installed.
If the new function is not yet available, users can download the latest update from the respective app store. This is already available for both Android and iOs .
WhatsApp in the Corona crisis: How group calls are started
To start a group call via WhatsApp Messenger , you first have to create a group with all participants. In order to avoid problems, it is advisable to clarify the WhatsApp versions of the participants before starting the group call .
This can easily be done in a group. So there is nothing standing in the way of the next corona- related video or voice conference . To start it, all you have to do is click the call or video call button.
WhatsApp in the Corona crisis: Messenger declares war on fake news
In Corona times, a chain letter on WhatsApp now causes unrest: There are always WhatsApp circulars that often contain fake news about the current Corona pandemic. The latest of these chain letters unsettles parents in particular.
* hna.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.
List of rubric lists: © Zacharie Scheurer / dpa
