WhatsApp’s Latest Game-Changer: Screen Sharing Across Devices
In a move that positions it as more than just a messaging app, WhatsApp has recently rolled out a screen-sharing feature, setting its sights on traditional video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Meet, Google Meet, Zoom, and even Apple’s FaceTime. Announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the feature aims to enhance your video calling experience, enabling you to share documents, photos, and more in real-time.
What’s New: Screen Sharing & Landscape Mode
Initially tested on some Android beta users, WhatsApp has finally made the screen-sharing feature accessible to all its users across Android, iOS, and Windows Desktop platforms, albeit in a phased manner. Alongside this groundbreaking feature, WhatsApp has also introduced video-calling in Landscape mode to enhance the viewing experience beyond the existing Portrait mode.
How to Use the Screen Sharing Feature
- Initiate a Video Call: Start a video call with the person or group you wish to screen share with.
- Tap the “Share”
Icon: Once the call is live, you can tap or click on the “Share” icon to commence screen sharing. - Choose What to Share: Users have the flexibility to either share a specific app window or their entire screen, similar to established services like Google Meet and Zoom.
Staying Competitive
WhatsApp has been a player in the video calling space since November 2016. With the rising relevance of video as a primary communication tool, the app has made continuous upgrades to stay competitive. From introducing picture-in-picture support for iOS to enabling the sharing of short video messages, WhatsApp has been catering to the modern user’s needs. This screen-sharing feature is a natural progression in its growth trajectory.
Beyond Messaging: An All-in-One Platform
Screen sharing is not new to the world of video conferencing; consumer-facing apps have featured it for quite some time. Apple’s FaceTime, for instance, introduced SharePlay in 2021, allowing iOS users to share screens natively. What sets WhatsApp apart is its capability to offer this service across multiple operating systems – Android, iOS, and desktop. By doing so, WhatsApp is becoming an increasingly versatile platform, broadening its reach and utility.
What to Watch Out For: Security
WhatsApp has a reputation for providing end-to-end encrypted communication, and this new feature is no exception. Nevertheless, users should remain vigilant while sharing screens, particularly when sensitive information could be exposed.