Warning over new WhatsApp update that allows friends to see EVERYTHING on your screen
- WhatsApp have introduced a popular video call feature called Screen Share
- The function, already offered by some video platforms, will be rolled out soon
- But be careful before clicking ‘Share’ as your pals will be able to see everything
WhatsApp has rolled out a number of changes over the last few years to enhance user experience.
Users can now react to messages, create their own stickers, lock private chats and even edit their own messages.
And there are more updates to follow. One being the new ‘Screen Share’ feature that allows your WhatsApp contacts to view everything on your smartphone screen.
The company announced the major update last week – but it isn’t as scary as it sounds.
Mark Zuckerberg (pictured top left) posted about the new update and shared a sneak peal of what the new ‘Share Screen’ feature will look like
The introduction of the ‘Screen Share’ is simply aimed at letting users show snippets from websites they’re browsing, documents they are viewing or even showing how to access features on the app or device.
Many apps, such as Google Meet, Microsoft Meet, Zoom, and Apple’s FaceTime already offer the basic feature, utilising it for traditional video conferencing.
Explaining more on the update, Meta said in a press release: ‘Whether sharing documents for work, browsing photos with family, planning a vacation or shopping online with friends, or just helping grandparents with tech support – screen sharing lets you share a live view of your screen during the call.’
Owner of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg posted about the new update on social media, and shared a picture of him on a WhatsApp group call where someone was sharing their screen.
As soon as it is rolled out in the coming weeks, users will see a ‘Share icon’ in the app and once they press it they will be given the option to share a specific application or their entire screen.
Although it sounds useful, just be sure to hide anything you don’t want others to see before you begin sharing your screen.
Meta also added that users could video call in landscape from their phones for a wider and more practical viewing experience.
WhatsApp first introduced the video calling feature in 2016, it has been adding new features since to set itself apart from other basic messaging platforms.
Just last month, Meta announced it would allow users to send short 60-second video messages directly into chats.
The app explained: ‘Voice messages on WhatsApp changed the way people communicate by providing a quick and secure way to share your voice. We’re excited to build on this feature with new instant video messages. Now you can record and share short personal videos directly in the chat.’