WhatsApp is currently testing an exciting new feature that will enable users to answer incoming video calls with the camera turned off. This move addresses a long-standing concern regarding privacy and brings WhatsApp in line with capabilities that many video conferencing platforms, such as Zoom and Google Meet, already offer. The feature was uncovered in the WhatsApp beta version.
When a user receives an incoming video call, a “Turn off your video” option will be presented, allowing the user to avoid having their camera activated automatically. However, this feature is not available for public use yet, and the timeline for its release remains uncertain. Currently, when users answer a video call on WhatsApp, the front camera is enabled by default.
If users prefer not to show themselves on camera, they typically have two choices: decline the call to initiate a voice call or answer it and then disable the camera manually. The upcoming update aims to streamline this process by giving users the flexibility to answer video calls without being seen. According to the details shared by Android Authority, the new option will appear prominently under the caller’s name and profile picture during a call.
Once users select the “Turn off your video” option, the button to answer the call changes from “Swipe up to accept” to “Accept without video.” This functionality allows users to re-enable their camera at any point during the call. As privacy continues to be a top concern for users, the introduction of this feature appears to be a strategic move for WhatsApp.
While the feature is still in development, it seems likely that we will see its launch in the near future, especially considering the growing emphasis on user privacy across platforms.
Leave a Reply