WhatsApp Unveils Two New Feature in Video Calling: Screen Share and Landscape Mode

WhatsApp has launched two new video call features: Screen Share and Landscape mode. The move appears to be an attempt to compete with established video conferencing programs like Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Apple's FaceTime.

Mark Zuckerberg, the company's CEO, made the news on his Instagram Channel and in a Facebook post. "We're adding the ability to share your screen during a video call on WhatsApp," he announced. Users will be able to exchange documents, photographs, and movies with contacts who are accessible on video conversations thanks to screen sharing.

Screen sharing feature

"Whether you're sharing documents for work, browsing photos with family, planning a vacation or shopping online with friends, or just helping your grandparents with tech support, Screen Sharing lets you share a real-time view of your screen during a call," the company said.

The feature is available for iPhone, Android smartphones and Windows platform and should reach all users in the coming days.

How to enable screen sharing on WhatsApp

You can share your screen on WhatsApp by tapping or clicking the Share Icon. Users can start screen sharing by clicking the Share icon. When the user taps it, the app will ask them to give permission to share screen. Users can choose to share a specific app or the entire screen. The WhatsApp screen share was previously spotted and shared by WABetaInfo, a platform that reports on WhatsApp features before they are rolled out to a wider audience. 

Landscape mode in WhatsApp

WhatsApp also announced a landscape mode for video calls. Users can now make video calls in landscape mode for a wider and more immersive viewing and sharing experience on your phone.

Meta’s ongoing issue with Norway over privacy breach

Further, according to a court filing, Meta Platforms has asked a Norwegian court to vacate a punishment levied by the Nordic country's data regulator on the owner of Facebook and Instagram for violating users' privacy.

Meta Platforms will be penalized 1 million crowns ($97,700) each day from August 14 for privacy violations, Norway's data protection regulator told Reuters on Monday, in a judgment that could have ramifications across Europe.

According to a court filing, Meta Platforms is seeking a temporary restraining order against the ruling. Its petition will be submitted during a two-day hearing on August 22. Media inquiries should be directed to Meta, according to the company's Norwegian counsel. Meta Platforms did not respond to a comment request.

The Norwegian data authority, Datatilsynet, stated that Meta Platforms was attempting to prevent the fine from being imposed. "They say the court should halt our order pending a full trial," Tobias Judin, head of Datatilsynet's foreign branch, told Reuters.