WhatsApp is edging closer to becoming a Zoom-like platform, following a major leak of its next update. 

The tech giant is testing a screen-sharing tool, according to WABetaInfo.

WABetaInfo claims this feature will be rolled out through the Google Play Beta Program – an early access service. 

‘WhatsApp is now rolling out a new feature that allows users to easily share their screen during a video call,’ WABetaInfo wrote.

The leak has been widely applauded by users, with one joking: ‘Now we can properly gossip without having to keep on sharing screenshots.’

Images shared by WABetaInfo suggest that users have the option to share their screens by selecting a new option located next to camera and microphone settings

Images shared by WABetaInfo suggest that users have the option to share their screens by selecting a new option located next to camera and microphone settings

Images shared by WABetaInfo suggest that users have the option to share their screens by selecting a new option located next to camera and microphone settings

HOW TO ACCESS EARLY VERSIONS OF APPS 

  1. Open Google Play
  2. Tap the profile icon in the top right
  3. Select ‘Manage apps and devices’
  4. Tap ‘Installed’
  5. Select an app (such as WhatsApp) to open its information page.
  6. Head to ‘Join the beta’ and select ‘Join’ 

Source: Google

 

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‘It seems this feature is available to some beta testers that install the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.19 update from the Google Play Store,’ WABetaInfo added.

Images revealed by WABetaInfo suggest the screen-sharing option will appear next to camera and microphone settings on a call.

Shared content ‘will be recorded’, but leakers claim this can be stopped at any time, so long as consent is given to WhatsApp.

It is currently unclear whether this feature will be available on group calls or older versions of Android using outdated WhatsApp services. 

Following the WhatsApp rumours, Twitter has been buzzing with excitement.

Some claimed the feature was what they  ‘always wanted’, while others suggested  it could come in handy at work.

‘Always wanted this feature for teaching my students,’ one user said.

‘Zoom with their 40 min restriction is super annoying tbh. 

‘WhatsApp is also student friendly cos some kids get intimidated by Zoom. Ready.’ 

Twitter was flooded with excitement following reports of the 'WhatsApp feature'

Twitter was flooded with excitement following reports of the 'WhatsApp feature'

Twitter was flooded with excitement following reports of the ‘WhatsApp feature’

Another joked: ‘Now we can properly gossip without having to keep on sharing screenshots.’

MailOnline has approached WhatsApp for further comment.  

The new tool speculation come just days after the app launched a message editing feature.

These edits can only be made up to 15 minutes after sending a message – then they are there to stay.

Altered WhatsApps will also display ‘edited’ alongside them, meaning that recipients will be aware of the correction despite being unable to see its history.

‘For the moments when you make a mistake, or simply change your mind, you can now edit your sent messages,’ WhatsApp said in a blog post. 

‘From correcting a simple misspelling to adding extra context to a message, we’re excited to bring you more control over your chats.’

BEST WHATSAPP ALTERNATIVES

If you’re considering deleting WhatsApp, you’ll be happy to hear that there are several alternative apps to choose from:

1. Telegram

With more than 400 million users, Telegram is one of the most popular WhatsApp alternatives. 

While it looks very similar to WhatsApp, what sets it apart is the fact that it gives the option to set messages to self-destruct after a given period of time, leaving no trace. 

Telegram also offers end-to-end encryption.

However, as a WhatsApp spokesperson pointed out, Telegram ‘does not offer end-to-end encryption by default so it’s not necessarily more secure than WhatsApp’.

2. Signal 

Signal is one of the most secure messaging apps, thanks to the fact that it is open-source. 

This means that the code for the app is publicly available to view, making it near-impossible for the app’s creators to sneak in any backdoors that could allow governments or hackers to spy on your messages.

3. iMessage

If you use an iPhone, you may consider simply switching to iMessage, Apple’s own messaging app. 

The app has a number of impressive features included no character limits, the ability to send pictures and videos, and of course Apple’s animated emoji feature, Animoji.

Unfortunately, iMessage is only available for iPhone users, so you’ll struggle to interact with anyone using an Android. 

4. Google Messages

Google’s answer to iMessage is Google Messages, an Android-only messaging service. 

The app replaces your standard SMS app, and integrates with all of Google’s apps and services, making it easy to share images or use Google Assistant. 

5. Facebook Messenger

If you were put off using WhatsApp due to its sharing of data with Facebook, Facebook Messenger may not be the best option for you.

However, the app offers a number of helpful features, including games, secret conversations and video calls. 

This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk

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