WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.23.19.14.
What’s new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a video avatar calling feature, and it is available to a limited number of beta testers!
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature? | Video avatar calling |
| Status? | Rolling out |
| Compatibility? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.19.14 is marked as a compatible update, but some users may be able to get the same feature by installing one of the following builds: 2.23.19.12 and 2.23.19.13. |
| I’ve installed this update but I don’t have this feature. Why? | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it’s rolling out to more people over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Swakshan, for collaborating, testing, and reporting! In addition, thanks to Ramjie Wassane, for further testing and reporting! |
| Previous news? | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.19.12: what’s new? This is a bug fix update that addresses a crash when replying to status updates! |
| WABetaInfo Channel on WhatsApp: | Invite link |
VIDEO AVATAR CALLING
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.22.15.5 update, we announced a new feature in development: the ability to use an avatar during a video call. With this feature, WhatsApp aims to help protect user privacy by masking their actual appearance with an avatar while still allowing them to engage in the video call. After installing the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.19.14 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a video avatar calling feature to a limited number of beta testers!
As you can see in this screenshot, WhatsApp introduced a video avatar calling feature to allow users to replace their video with dynamic video avatars during video calls. This feature adds a fun and personalized touch to conversations, making interactions definitely more expressive. If you want to discover if this feature is enabled for your account, just try to place a video call to see if an avatar button is available within the calling screen. It’s worth noting that you can easily switch back to video mode at any time.
WhatsApp has devoted significant time and effort to enhance the user experience when using this feature. When users choose to switch to the video avatar mode, it will mimic their facial movements and expressions in real-time in order to make their interactions more realistic. When you decide to use this mode, you agree to the privacy notice about how your information is used to improve the service and how it’s protected. It’s important to note that your calls are still end-to-end encrypted, even when you use the video avatar mode.
The video avatar calling feature is available to a limited number of beta testers who install the latest WhatsApp beta for Android update from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.
Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on Twitter where you can also discover other new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.
Do you like this news? Please, let us know on Twitter: we love hearing your feedback! If you’re curious to know where you can find WABetaInfo, there is a dedicated page where you can discover our services.
In addition, we have set up a Discord Server where you can chat with other people, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest announcements from WABetaInfo.