WhatsApp’s latest update now allows Instagram and Facebook video links to open in PiP mode.
Following last week’s F8 keynote address on WhatsApp from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the latest update for iOS has finally been released.
The chatting app’s update 2.18.51 brings the ability to watch Instagram and Facebook videos in-app. Which means users can now view those videos along with YouTube videos while on their chat window.
Previously, when a link from Instagram or Facebook is clicked, WhatsApp opens the respective app installed on their phone. Once you finish watching, you would have to click on the back button on the upper left corner to reopen the chatting app. Another way to go back would be to double press the home button to access the recently used apps list.
The picture-in-picture mode (PiP) also allows users to continue watching the video while navigating through the chat. The video bubble can be moved within the screen and comes with play/pause, close, and fullscreen buttons.
This PiP mode is described within the change log of the update but is not functional yet as of this writing. The feature however suggests that it would be enabled within the next few weeks.
At the F8 event, Zuckerberg also announced the group video calling feature will come to the app soon. Up to four friends can simultaneously join and see each other in split-screen mode. The app will also get support for third-party stickers created by developers in the near future.
