WhatsApp, a widely popular messaging application, has long been criticized for its subpar performance when it comes to sharing high-resolution photos and videos.
However, it seems that the platform is finally taking steps to address this issue by introducing an experimental feature that enables users to share videos in high-definition (HD) quality.
The service, owned by Meta, recently released an update to the beta version of WhatsApp for Android (version 2.23.14.10), which includes the option to preserve the original resolution of a video when sending it to a friend or family member.
According to reports from WABetaInfo, although some compression is still applied to the videos, this update marks a significant improvement over the previous limitations.
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In contrast to leading messaging apps like Telegram, which allow the transmission of uncompressed photos and videos as long as they remain within a 2GB limit, WhatsApp has imposed a rather meager 16GB cap on video file sizes.
While it is possible to send files up to 2GB in size, videos, and photos must be shared as documents to utilize this feature. Alternatively, users can compress their media files into a zip folder before sending them.
With the latest beta release, WhatsApp has finally caught up to its competitors in this aspect.
However, there is a caveat: users must manually select “HD quality” each time they choose to send a video. This requirement also applied to high-quality photos in a recent beta version of the app.
The interface now includes a new button that appears when the drawing editor is tapped, giving users the choice between “standard quality” and “HD quality” for video transmission.
By default, the app sets the resolution to standard quality, meaning users must make a deliberate effort to ensure their videos are not compromised during transmission.
Furthermore, similar to high-resolution photos, videos with superior quality are marked with an overlay in the conversation view.
This option only appears for videos that meet the criteria for HD quality, determined by WhatsApp. Therefore, if the app deems a video too small, users will only be able to send it in standard definition (SD), as is customary.
While WhatsApp plans to roll out this feature gradually over the next few weeks, it is currently available to select beta testers.
This development indicates a positive step forward for WhatsApp, as it demonstrates a willingness to address its shortcomings and provide users with a more satisfactory experience when sharing media content.
In my opinion, this long-awaited improvement is a much-needed upgrade for WhatsApp. For a messaging app that boasts such widespread popularity, it is essential for it to offer reliable and high-quality media-sharing capabilities.
By implementing this new feature, WhatsApp has recognized the importance of providing users with an enhanced experience when it comes to sharing videos, acknowledging the increasing demand for better resolution and clarity.
However, it is worth noting that the requirement to manually select HD quality for each video could be seen as a minor inconvenience.
It would have been more convenient if WhatsApp allowed users to set their preferred default quality for video transmission.
Nonetheless, this small setback should not overshadow the overall positive impact of this update.
As someone who frequently uses WhatsApp to connect with friends and family, I eagerly anticipate the wider availability of this HD video-sharing feature. It will undoubtedly enrich our conversations and enable us to share moments with greater visual fidelity.
Kudos to WhatsApp for taking steps to improve its service and cater to the evolving needs of its users.
