With people staying indoors as a result of the nation-wide lockdown due to the Coronavirus outbreak, they are using their smartphones and video calling apps more than ever. Of all the available apps, WhatsApp is probably the best, easiest, and most secure way to make video calls. Its parent company has already announced that Whatsapp has seen an increase in usage during the pandemic, and now it is making it easier for people to make group audio or video calls.
Soon, users will be able to group call their friends by just a touch of a button. Just tap on the video or the voice call icon on the right-hand corner of the screen, and you will be asked to select the members to be a participant in the call. This feature is limited to groups with four members or less. For this, both Android and iOS users have to update their current version of the app to the latest make.
We've made it easier than ever to start a group call from WhatsApp for groups of 4 or less. From your group chat tap the video or voice call icon to directly start a call with everyone in the chat! ????
— WhatsApp Inc. (@WhatsApp) April 7, 2020
According to a report, WhatsApp has seen a 57.64 per cent increase in time spent and a 49 per cent increase in engagement in India. On a global level, WhatsApp usage increased by 27 per cent during the early stage of the pandemic. It rose to 41 per cent during the mid-phase and then shot to 51 per cent in the late phase.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is working to curb the spread of misinformation on the platform. It is also working directly with NGOs and governments, including the World Health Organization and over 20 national health ministries, to deliver accurate information to its users. ‘These trusted authorities have sent hundreds of millions of messages directly to people requesting information and advice,’ Whatsapp had said earlier.
