WhatsApp Adds Mute, Messaging Options for Group Calls

pcmag.com:

WhatsApp introduced three new features for group calls, including the ability to mute or message specific people on a voice chat.

Rolling out now to Android and iOS users, the new functionality makes it easy to launch a side conversation—whether you're texting a colleague for advice during a work call, or sharing gossip with a friend while planning a group vacation.

And when the background chatter becomes too much, simply mute someone who forgot to silence themselves. The option, as WABeta Info noted(Opens in a new window), is not limited to the person who placed the call; anyone can mute.

There's now a banner notification when another person joins a group chat offscreen. Their name and profile picture appears as a pop-up at the bottom of participants' screens, noting that "X joined the call." It's a particularly helpful new feature now that WhatsApp allows up to 32 people on a single voice call.

More privacy features are being brought out of beta this week. WhatsApp users can now select who from their contact list can see their profile photo, About section, and Last Seen status(Opens in a new window). Visit the app Settings > Account > Privacy to adjust personal preferences so Everyone, My Contacts, My Contacts Except…, or Nobody can see your status or invite you to groups. Scroll down to toggle on or off your read receipts.

Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.

Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!