Muscat – Messaging and calling app WhatsApp has introduced two new features that are creating a buzz among users.

The first feature enables a user to record and share short 60-second personal videos directly in chats.

The second feature allows users to share screen during a video call. This screen-sharing function lets the host display their screen content to others, making it particularly handy for office meetings and similar activities.

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, introduced the update through his Facebook account, stating, “We’re adding the ability to share your screen during a video call on WhatsApp.” 

Dr Haitham Hilal al Hajri, cybersecurity researcher and expert, described the instant video messages feature similar to Snapchat.

“WhatsApp remains at the forefront of innovation, regularly introducing new features to keep users engaged and deter them from switching to rival platforms. However, this advancement also opens the door for potential misuse by malicious individuals.”

According to Hajri, this feature could be misused by “wrongdoers to access your device, installing third party applications that might compromise your privacy, steal valuable information or gather data for potential blackmail or manipulation”.

Abir Zahir al Jahwari, a resident of Bausher, is excited about these new features. “WhatsApp has become even more efficient with these, making it a quick and convenient choice compared to other apps.”

IT professional Tariq Hilal al Barwani considers the screen sharing feature a game changer, making WhatsApp useful for not just chatting but collaborative work. 

“WhatsApp’s latest move could give popular video calling apps like Google Meet and Zoom a run for their money. With group meetings becoming increasingly vital, this feature injects new life into the competition, pushing rivals to stay innovative and on their toes,” Barwani said.

According to a report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is currently introducing an option to schedule calls within group chats. Some lucky beta testers now have access to this feature, requiring them to install the update version 2.23.17.7.

(Contributed by Deeba Parween)