Whatsapp introduces group video chat

WhatsApp has finally introduced group calling for voice and video with the ability to handle group video chats with up to four contacts simultaneously.

In a blog announcing the update on Tuesday, a spokesperson for WhatsApp said: “You can make a group call with up to four people total - anytime and anywhere.

Each person will appear on the screen; which could make things quite cosy if you’re a fan of small-screened phones.

“Just start a one-on-one voice or video call and tap the new "add participant" button in the top right corner to add more contacts to the call.”

Thankfully, WhatsApp confirmed that these group calls will always be end-to-end encrypted. This ensures that only the members of the group can listen to or view the content of the call.

WhatsApp also confirmed that it has designed calling to work reliably around the world in different network conditions. The feature is currently rolling out on the iPhone and Android versions of the app.

The Facebook-owned messaging app first revealed the feature at a developer’s conference back in May. But now it looks like we can all start conferencing calling our buddies.

By launching the group chat feature now, Mark Zuckerberg is stealing a march on Apple.

The tech giant said that it would bring group FaceTime chats to its iPhone and iPad gadgets later this year when the next version of iOS rolls out.

On FaceTime, the program will automatically detect who is talking and make their head appear slightly bigger. And while WhatsApp may not offer that, it does give iOS and Android users a way to all communicate in a group call together.