WhatsApp has recently rolled out numerous sought-after features and made UI/UX changes according to Material Design 3 guidelines. The latest beta update, version 2.23.18.12, introduces a significant feature: the ability to send photos and videos in their original quality. This follows a previous beta version that introduced high-quality photo sharing to a limited group of testers.
WhatsApp & Its Criticism over its image compression practices
Here are some key points about this criticism:
• Loss of Image Quality: One of the primary concerns users had was that WhatsApp’s image compression often resulted in a loss of image quality. Images sent through WhatsApp were frequently compressed to reduce file size, which led to a decrease in clarity and detail.
• Diminished Resolution: Images, especially those with high resolution, could experience a noticeable reduction in resolution after being sent through WhatsApp. This was particularly problematic for photographers and users who wanted to share high-quality images.
• Compression Artifacts: The compression process sometimes introduced artifacts or visual distortions in images, which further detracted from their quality.
• Limited Control: WhatsApp didn’t provide users with much control over image compression settings. Users couldn’t easily opt for sending images in their original quality, especially if they were concerned about maintaining image fidelity.
Enhanced Media Sharing and More Innovations
However, the upcoming update aims to change this perception by allowing users to share media in its original quality. This new feature will offer a user-friendly experience by simplifying the process of selecting photos and videos from the in-app gallery, labeled as ‘documents,’ without the need for extensive navigation.
It’s worth noting that this feature is still in development, and WhatsApp continues to innovate, with hints of a revamped calling interface, AI-generated stickers, and the ability to schedule group calls in the latest beta updates.
