WhatsApp for Android is getting a new feature that makes video calling and taking photos in the app even better. According to a fashion analyst, the instant messaging platform is testing camera effects. The new feature is said to add filters, backgrounds and other effects to users’ faces when taking photos or during video calls. While some effects can be activated manually, others are activated automatically based on comments and gestures.
WhatsApp Camera Effects feature
According to a report by WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, this feature was found in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android version 2.24.22.10, which is available in the Play Store now. The feature is said to be visible in the beta version but is available to only a few beta testers currently.
Based on the screenshots shared by the feature tracker, the new feature can be turned on or off from the app’s Privacy settings. A new option dubbed Allow camera effects can be seen within the settings which can be toggled on or off. A description of the feature highlights, “To provide a more expressive experience, some effects will mimic your face and hands.”
The description also states that the feature is available when the camera is used to click pictures or during video calls. The feature tracker reveals that some of these effects can be applied automatically based on users’ facial expressions, hand gestures, movements, and more. Some are supposed to be used manually using the options found on the screen.
Although this feature is said to be controlled through privacy settings, it can be enabled or disabled directly from the camera screen and video call interface, making it easy for users to access the effects . The analyst also emphasized that camera effects do not compromise encryption protocols, and even if they do, video calls remain encrypted.
While the WhatsApp feature is available to some beta testers right now, it’s not clear at this time if the camera effects will roll out to a wider range of users.