WhatsApp releases new features for video calls

WhatsApp releases new features to make video calls more personal. Users can now change backgrounds and apply filters during a video call. This allows the surroundings to be kept private or embellished, for example. For example, you can pretend you are sitting in a café or in a tidy living room.

According to WhatsApp, the filter options include "Warm, Cool, Black & White, Light Leak, Dreamy, Prism Light, Fish Eye, Vintage TV, Frosted Glass and Duo Tone". Background options include "Blur, Living Room, Office, Cafe, Pebbles, Foodie, Smoosh, Beach, Sunset, Celebration and Forest".

In addition to the filters and backgrounds, WhatsApp is introducing the "Touch up" and "Low Light" options. These promise to enhance the look and brightness of the environment naturally, making video calls more vivid and enjoyable.

To access these features during an individual or group video call, users select the effects icons in the top-right corner of the screen to see the selection of filters and backgrounds and choose what suits their mood. These effects will be available to all users in the coming weeks.

AI Studios and more

Meta recently released its "AI Studios" – a platform for various AI tools, which is initially only available in the USA. Other video tools were also introduced that can help influencers, for example, to answer their fans' questions using personalized chatbots. Programming skills are not required for this. The chatbots can also be used via Instagram, WhatsApp and similar meta-products.

(mack)