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WhatsApp is testing a major new feature that could put it in direct competition with ZOOM, leaker claims
- Screen-sharing could soon be a feature of WhatsApp, leakers have claimed
- It is understood that any shared screens will also be simultaneously recorded
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
‘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It is currently unclear whether this feature will be available on group calls or older versions of Android using outdated WhatsApp services.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’
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.’
