WhatsApp Trials New Privacy Tools for Voice and Video Calls

WhatsApp is enhancing user privacy with new controls for voice and video calls. As per a report from WABetaInfo, the messaging platform is testing features that allow users to mute their microphone or disable their camera before answering calls. These updates are part of the latest WhatsApp beta version for Android and are expected to roll out more widely soon.

New Mute Button for Voice Calls

A major addition being tested is a mute option directly accessible from the call notification. When users receive a voice call, a mute button will appear in the notification panel, enabling them to silence their microphone before even answering the call.

This feature offers practical use in noisy environments or during private moments, allowing users to respond to calls discreetly. It could prove beneficial for professionals or anyone who wishes to avoid immediate audio transmission.

Disable Video Option for Incoming Video Calls

Alongside the mute function, WhatsApp is working on a ‘disable video’ button for video calls. Users will be able to turn off their camera before accepting the call. This option is particularly useful when receiving video calls from unknown contacts or in situations where users want added visual privacy.

Instead of declining or avoiding calls, users can now decide how they wish to interact—whether audio-only or with full video—giving them more control over their call experience.

Real-Time Emoji Reactions Coming to Video Calls

In another user-centric update, WhatsApp is developing emoji reactions for video calls. These reactions will let users respond visually during conversations without interrupting the flow of discussion.

The real-time nature of this feature aligns with WhatsApp’s ongoing effort to make communication more expressive, fluid, and interactive. It builds upon existing features seen in voice notes, messages, and group chats.

Enhanced WhatsApp Status: Add Music to Photo and Video Updates

WhatsApp is also expanding its Status feature by allowing users to add music to their status updates. This update is gradually rolling out to both Android and iOS users and adds another layer of creativity to how users share moments.

How to Add Music to WhatsApp Status:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the "Updates" tab.

2. Tap "Add status" and select a photo or video.

3. On the editing screen, tap the new music icon at the top.

4. Search for a track or choose from the available suggestions.

5. Tap the arrow next to your selected song to open the editing screen.

6. Choose the portion of the song to include.

7. Tap "Done" and hit the send button to post.

WhatsApp allows a 15-second music clip for photo statuses and up to 60 seconds for videos. The music library includes millions of licensed tracks across various genres.

Growing Focus on Personalisation and Privacy

WhatsApp’s continuous feature rollout shows its commitment to user privacy and personalization. With rising competition from other messaging platforms, including Telegram and Signal, these updates aim to offer better control, enhanced privacy, and richer forms of interaction.

Whether it’s through privacy controls on calls or more expressive tools for Status updates, WhatsApp is evolving into a more user-friendly and versatile platform.

Conclusion

With the introduction of mute and disable-video options, along with music-enhanced statuses and emoji reactions, WhatsApp is focused on improving the calling and sharing experience. These features are currently in beta and are expected to become widely available in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for more updates as WhatsApp continues to evolve its suite of communication tools.