The most recent WhatsApp beta update indicates that the service may be planning to increase the limits of audio and video groups calls from four to eight. This is timely should they eventually release it in light of remote working as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
WABetaInfo (WhatsApp beta release experts) say the most recent v2.2.128 version of the Facebook owned messaging app majorly hints at an increased limit to groups audio and video calling.
It makes sense to release this for its about two billion users who will have the opportunity to work better by sharing files to a larger group either for work or pleasure. Families and teams alike won’t need to leave the Facebook ecosystem to group voice or video Let me add any longer.
This is still a small increase compared to rival services. Even within the Facebook environment. Messenger allows up to 50 people in a group video call just like Skype. Google Hangouts allows for up to 150 people in a group chat while limiting its group video call numbers to 25. Apple Facetime allows for up to 32 people in a group video call. Google is now updating Meet remote work and conferencing tool to allow users access it directly from Gmail for businesses and education purposes. Just like in Zoom where you can see up to 25 participants in a gallery format, Google Meet will offer the same thing for up to 16 participant display at a given time.
According to WABetainfo,
you need to install the 2.20.50.25 iOS beta update from TestFlight and the 2.20.133 beta from Google Play.Other participants need to be on the same versions, otherwise they cannot be added in the group call.
This means that it simply won’t work if you or someone else are the only ones who have updated their app to the latest version.
As of now we don’t know when this will be released for all but considering the current working climate globally, it may be launched in a matter of weeks.
In light of security and privacy concerns, WhatsApp is releasing the v2.20.129 update for Android which was available on iOS as v2.20.50.23. This update shows a call header assuring you that your calls enjoy end-to-end encryption at all time.
