WhatsApp could be set to introduce group VIDEO chats

WhatsApp users may soon be able to make group voice and video calls.

The feature was spotted in the latest beta version of the messaging app by WABetaInfo, along with a photo shared by the company that appears to show a group chat containing video and voice call buttons.

This could allow users to speak face-to-face with multiple friends at a time while using the app.

WhatsApp users may soon be able to make group voice and video calls. The feature was spotted in the latest beta version of the messaging app by WABetaInfo. A stock image is pictured 

HOW TO USE THE LIVE LOCATION FEATURE

Open a chat with either the group or person you want to share your location with.

Click the attach icon – a paperclip on Android or the plus symbol on iPhone – and select the Location button, which will appear as a map on Android or a ‘drop pin’ symbol on iOS.

Click the new ‘Share Live Location’ option.

You can then choose how long you want your location to be visible for: 15 minutes, one hour, or eight hours.

You can also add a comment.

Once your location is live, you can then stop sharing it manually at any time by pressing ‘stop sharing’.

WABetaInfo first revealed earlier this month that WhatsApp is ‘internally working’ on a group voice-calling feature.

And now, the site says it has confirmed the upcoming feature in WhatsApp’s 2.17.70 beta release.

In addition, an image recently released by WhatsApp suggests the next update could also come with group video calling.

‘There are a lot of hidden references about group voice calls, but there is only one reference about group video calls,’ WABetaInfo tweeted.

‘But the quoted image should confirm both.’

Just last week, WhatsApp launched its new Live Location feature for both Android and iOS.

The function means users can let loved ones know they’ve arrived safely home after a night out or that they’re stuck in traffic on the way to meet them. 

WhatsApp announced the feature on their official blog, where the Facebook owned company was keen to play up their end-to-end encryption security measures that are designed to keep your location details safe.

This means that only people you choose to share your location with should be able to access this information, protecting it from intrusion from hackers, governments and other third parties.

An exact launch date has not been specified, but some smartphone users with the latest version of WhatsApp will already be able to see the feature on their handsets.

Others are expected to have access in the coming weeks.   

In a written statement, a spokesman for WhatsApp said: ‘Today, we’re rolling out a new feature that allows you to share your location in real-time with family or friends. 

An image recently released by WhatsApp suggests the next update could also come with group video calling, the site claims. The icons can be seen in the image above (left)

An image recently released by WhatsApp suggests the next update could also come with group video calling, the site claims. The icons can be seen in the image above (left)

‘Whether you’re meeting up with friends, letting loved ones know you’re safe, or sharing your commute, Live Location is a simple and secure way to let people know where you are. 

‘This end-to-end encrypted feature lets you control who you share with and for how long. 

‘You can choose to stop sharing at any time or let the Live Location timer simply expire.’ 

Location-sharing is already a common feature on other social apps, including Snapchat’s Snap Map and Facebook Messenger. 

To use the Live Location option, open a chat with either the group of people or person you want to share your location with. 

WhatsApp announced the feature on their official blog, where the Facebook owned company was keen to play up their end-to-end encryption security measures that are designed to keep your location details safe

WhatsApp announced the feature on their official blog, where the Facebook owned company was keen to play up their end-to-end encryption security measures that are designed to keep your location details safe

Click the attach icon – a paperclip on Android or the plus symbol on iPhone – and select the Location button, which will appear as a map on Android or a ‘drop pin’ symbol on iOS. 

Click the new ‘Share Live Location’ option.

You can then choose how long you want your location to be visible for: 15 minutes, one hour, or eight hours.

You can also add a comment.

Once your location is live, you can then stop sharing it manually at any time by pressing ‘stop sharing’.

Each person in the chat will be able to see your real-time location on a map. 

And if more than one person shares their Live Location in the group, all locations will be visible on the same map. 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk