WhatsApp users in the UK are in for a treat as the Meta-owned platform rolls out an exciting update. The messaging giant is introducing filters and backgrounds for video calls, injecting a bit of colour and fun into your conversations, much like features you might have seen on Zoom.
Now, during video calls, your phone and camera can smartly keep you in focus while blurring out the chaos behind you – perfect if your room’s a mess or you’ve got family wandering around that you’d rather not show up in your call.
You’ll have a choice of ten different filters and backgrounds to start with, including whimsical names like Light leak, Dreamy, and Prism light for filters, and options such as Blur, Living room, Office, Cafe, Pebbles, and Foodie for backgrounds. It’s likely WhatsApp will expand this selection over time.
“Filters are designed to help you create a more playful atmosphere, whether that’s adding a splash of colour or creating a more artistic feel for your video,” explained WhatsApp: “With backgrounds, you can keep your surroundings private and transport yourself to a cosy coffee shop or comfortable living room for a more clean and polished look.”
The app is also introducing ‘Touch up’ and ‘Light up’ options that use AI to enhance your appearance and the room around you for a better look on calls. This is similar to effects you can use on apps such as Google Meet, which can artificially brighten up your video feed – handy for those inevitably gloomier days, reports the Express.
Ensure you have automatic app updates switched on, as WhatsApp is rolling out the update to the iPhone and Android versions of the app in the upcoming weeks. To activate any filter or background, during a one-on-one or group video call you can tap to select effects in the top right of the screen and then proceed from there.
Source: WhatsApp users alerted to fresh update on its way with ‘fun’ new features