Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp continues to expand its feature set, focusing on enhancing user experience with its built-in camera functionality. In a significant development, WhatsApp is now testing the addition of filters and augmented reality (AR) effects for photos and videos taken within the app, similar to the filters already available during video calls. This move is part of WhatsApp’s broader effort to introduce more personalization and creative tools for users.
According to a report from WABetaInfo, the update has been observed in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.20.20, available on the Google Play Store. The beta version introduces a new filter button directly within the camera interface. This allows users to apply filters with a single tap while capturing photos or recording videos within the app.
Expansion from video calls to camera content
Earlier this year, in April, WhatsApp introduced filters and AR effects for video calls, enabling users to modify their appearance and surroundings in real time during conversations. The success and popularity of these features have led to their expansion beyond video calls. The addition of the filter button to WhatsApp’s camera marks a major step toward enhancing its media creation capabilities.
Previously, users could only access these filters while on a video call. With the latest update, users can now apply various filters to the photos and videos they capture directly using WhatsApp’s built-in camera. This new feature will make the app more competitive with social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, which have long offered advanced filters and effects for photos and videos.
New filters and features
The new filter button allows users to switch between different filters easily, enabling real-time adjustments before snapping a picture or recording a video. Among the filters available is a skin-smoothing option, which enhances facial images by reducing blemishes and imperfections, offering a more polished and professional appearance to the captured media.
In addition to skin-smoothing, WhatsApp has introduced a background-changing feature, previously limited to video calls. This feature enables users to replace their real-world background with virtual environments, adding a layer of creativity and personalization to their photos and videos. For those seeking a more subtle effect, there is also the option to blur the background entirely, giving a more refined, professional look, particularly in environments where the background may be distracting.
WhatsApp has also made improvements to the camera’s lighting settings. One notable addition is the low-light mode, which significantly improves the clarity and visibility of photos and videos captured in dimly lit environments. The low-light mode is designed to enhance images by adjusting exposure and contrast, making it easier to take clear shots even in challenging conditions.
Select beta testers and upcoming rollout
As of now, the new filter features for WhatsApp’s built-in camera are only available to a select group of beta testers who have installed the latest beta version from the Google Play Store. However, the company plans to roll out this feature more broadly in the coming weeks, making it available to all users on both Android and iOS platforms.
This is part of WhatsApp’s continuous effort to introduce new features that cater to users’ needs for creativity and personalization. The company is steadily evolving beyond its core messaging function by adding more sophisticated media creation tools, positioning itself as not only a communication app but also a platform for content creation and sharing.
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WhatsApp’s recent features
In addition to the new camera filters, WhatsApp has been rolling out a series of updates aimed at improving user engagement. Recently, WhatsApp introduced an advanced search function for its Channels feature, allowing users to explore and follow channels in various categories such as People, Organizations, Lifestyle, Sports, Entertainment, Businesses, and News & Information. This new search feature is designed to make it easier for users to discover content that interests them within the app.
The Channels update follows WhatsApp’s broader push to integrate more social media-like features into its platform, encouraging users to spend more time on the app beyond just messaging.
Conclusion
With the introduction of filters and AR effects for its built-in camera, WhatsApp is clearly aiming to enhance its platform and keep up with the growing demand for personalization and creativity in digital communication. These new features, currently in beta testing, are expected to be rolled out to the wider public soon, adding more value to WhatsApp’s already robust suite of tools for photo and video sharing.
By continuing to innovate and expand its features, WhatsApp is positioning itself as a strong contender in the competitive social media and messaging landscape.
