WhatsApp rolls out enhanced video calling

The MLow codec brings several improvements to WhatsApp video calls. Firstly, it significantly enhances audio quality, especially at lower bitrates, providing twice the audio quality of the previous Opus codec. This improvement is particularly beneficial for users with poor network connectivity or those using older devices1.

Secondly, the MLow codec improves call reliability. It achieves this by maintaining better audio fidelity and optimizing computational efficiency. As a result, high-quality communication becomes more accessible to a broader range of users worldwide.

Lastly, the MLow codec allows for more effective Forward Error Correction (FEC) strategies. This means that it can pack FEC at much lower bitrates, which helps improve audio quality in packet loss scenarios. Consequently, users can experience clearer calls even in challenging network conditions.

The speaker spotlight feature in WhatsApp's latest update is designed to enhance the user experience during group video calls1. When activated, the feature automatically highlights the participant who is currently speaking in the group call, making their video tile more prominent on the screen. This allows other participants to easily identify who is talking at any given time, creating a more seamless and efficient group communication experience. The speaker spotlight feature is especially useful in larger group calls where multiple conversations may be happening simultaneously, helping users stay focused on the main discussion and reducing potential confusion6.