• By Vikas Yadav
  • Mon, 29 May 2023 12:07 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

WHATSAPP regularly make headlines for introducing features and testing upcoming ones through its beta program on Android and iOS. Continuing this series, WABetaInfo reported that the company is testing a screen-sharing feature on Android.

The news tracker said the feature in the beta build marked - 2.23.11.19 on Android bundles this functionality. It is available to "some" beta testers and will roll out to more users in the upcoming days. Other than screen sharing, an updated placement for tabs in the bottom navigation bar is also present in the build.

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The screen-sharing feature would allow users to share the UI of the phone during a live video call. If you are enrolled in the beta program on Google Play Store, you can install the above-stated version to test it.

In the report, WABetaInfo shared screenshots of the new feature in action. A new icon with an arrow pointing to the right in front of a smartphone is present in the control menu of the call. Once the user taps the option, they would be prompted to 'start now' or 'cancel' the operation.

Once they choose to start sharing, WhatsApp will access all "information that is visible on your screen or played from your device while recording or casting." Do note this will include passwords, payment details, and media files such as audio, photos and messages.

When a user is sharing a screen, a prompt that "You're sharing your screen" with a button to "Stop sharing" the screen. A user can stop streaming their screen anytime.

Further, the platform notes that the feature might be unavailable on older Android versions. Plus, it may not work on group calls. In other cases, some recipients using an old Android handset may not be able to see the contents of the shared screen.

On a related note, the company is also redesigning the settings menu. In the new interface, three options - Profile, Privacy and Contacts are visible in the new update.