Back in July, we reported about WhatsApp testing picture-in-picture feature for video calls. The testing was being done its beta program version, and there was no information when WhatsApp was going to make it official. Today, the instant messaging app has announced it for devices on Android 8.0 Oreo.
The latest version (v 2.17.323) of WhatsApp on Google Play Store brings the functionality to Oreo running devices. With the new PiP feature, Oreo users can now make the video call window smaller and do other tasks on the phone during the video call.
Users can go to the main chat screen of the contact by tapping the back button during the video call. Similarly, users will be able to go back to home screen or any other app by tapping the back button during the call on the main chat screen. We must say that it is an excellent way to use Oreo's PiP feature, even better than PiP support on Google Maps.
The PiP feature in itself is quite a nifty addition to Android 8.0 Oreo as it offers seamless multitasking ability while watching videos or even following Google Maps directions. With its arrival on WhatsApp, Oreo users will have even better utilisation of their time during video calls.
The changelog for WhatsApp version 2.17.323 also shows text-based status feature that the app started rolling out last month. We don't know why it is mentioned in the latest changelog too, maybe WhatsApp wants to remind users that these features also exist on the app in case they haven't noticed. The text-only status feature lets users make text only updates that stay visible for 24 hours. To make a text only update, users just need to tap on the pencil icon in the Status tab and then type whatever is there on their mind. They can also pick a colour for the background of the update.
WhatsApp version 2.17.323 is currently available on the Google Play Store, but if it's not visible for you, then you can always go for manual APK download.
