WhatsApp likely to get Picture-in-Picture mode for video calling

WhatsApp last year introduced video-calling functionality to its app. It seems the this aspect of the app is now about to receive a new feature as a new picture-in-picture (PIP) mode for video-calling has now been spotted inside the version 2.17.265 of the WhatsApp app running on developer preview of Android O.

As per a tweet by WABetaInfo, which has a good track record when it comes to details of forthcoming WhatsApp features, the PIP mode inside WhatsApp app was spotted on version 2.17.265 of the Android app and was turned on by default on Android O developer preview. WABetaInfo further clarified that Android 8.0 O has a particular API that was used by WhatsApp for enabling this feature.

With the PIP mode, WhatsApp users will get the convenience to continue the conversations via video chat while browsing through their text messages. As this feature has been spotted on Android, we will have to wait and see if it will make its way to iPhone soon as well, though given the fact the new feature is said to be using Android O's APIs, that might be a little difficult.

Earlier this week, WhatsApp for iPhone got an update that brought features like ability to pin chats, share any file type, and more. The app was also seen to bring a hidden feature - the ability to play WhatsApp videos without leaving the app.