WhatsApp for iOS is testing a new feature that leverages augmented reality (AR), according to claims by a feature tracker. The said feature is said to bring AR capabilities for video calls on the platform, enabling users to customise factors such as lighting conditions and surroundings. The feature, available via a beta update, also reportedly includes the ability to add touch-up filters that tweak the appearance in real time and a dedicated low-light mode.
WhatsApp Update
According to the feature tracker WABetaInfo, AR support was first spotted on WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.16.7 in July. It has now arrived on its iOS counterpart too, following the reported rollout of WhatsApp beta for iOS version 24.15.10.70 update via the TestFlight program.
As per the shared screenshot, WhatsApp’s new AR capabilities include dynamic facial filters. Users can now reportedly tweak their appearance, such as the overall colour tone of the video feed. It is also said to include a background editing tool that enables users to blur their background or replace it with a preset background provided by the instant messaging platform. Additionally, the WhatsApp for iOS beta update is also reported to include two dedicated modes: touch-up and low-light. While the former is said to add a facial filter that removes blemishes and smoothens the skin akin to face beauty filters present on smartphones, the latter is claimed to enhance visibility in low-light environments.
The feature tracker suggests this new functionality is still in development and only beta testers who have registered themselves via Apple‘s TestFlight program may have access to it. The will likely be rolled out to more users over the next few weeks.
Other New Features
In addition to in-development AR capabilities, WhatsApp also recently expanded its sticker lineup with the introduction of GIPHY-powered stickers. Users can also now search for relevant stickers without leaving the app. Additionally, the custom sticker maker, which was introduced on iOS in January, is now available on Android.
If users still cannot find a relevant sticker from the library, they can simply generate their own using Meta AI – the conversational artificial intelligence (AI) assistant which is available on Meta Platforms’ apps such as WhatsApp and Instagram.
WhatsApp has been working on adding support for chat themes on more than one occasion, and a feature tracker has now given us a peek at what the feature could look like when it is launched. The messaging app is expected to let users change the colour of the chat bubbles as well as the background using preset themes, or pick their own colour and wallpaper. The company was also spotted working on the ability to pick a username and set a PIN that protects them from unknown users on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp has been developing a username feature that will allow users to start new conversations without sharing their phone numbers, but that feature is yet to be released to beta testers. It appears that the company is now working a feature that will protect users from unwanted contact after they set up a username. Source: NDTV
WhatsApp for iOS reportedly testing AR capabilities for call effects and filters in Beta
