Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is currently testing a new feature that allows users to make video calls on WhatsApp using animated avatars. The development of this feature is now complete, and it is being made available to a select group of beta testers.
The latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android (v2.23.19.14) includes the ability to make video calls using avatars. When users switch to their avatars, the avatars will mimic their facial movements and expressions in real-time. The feature can be turned off during a video call to revert back to the user’s real self. Importantly, the video calls made using avatars will still be end-to-end encrypted.
To use this feature, users need to tap on the “Switch to Avatar” button on the banner that appears in the app. Alternatively, they can choose to not use avatars tapping on the “Not now” button. While there are no demonstrations of the feature available yet, it is expected to provide a similar experience to avatar video calls on Facebook and Instagram.
There is no information on when Meta will release avatar video calls in the stable version of WhatsApp, but with the feature now in testing, it is likely to arrive in the app in the coming weeks. Meta has recently introduced other features to WhatsApp, such as Channels and high-quality image sharing. Additionally, a major redesign of WhatsApp for Android is also on the company’s roadmap for the near future.
Sources:
– WABetaInfo (no URL)
– Facebook Owner Meta (no URL)
