All articles tagged with #video calls
GSMA’s final RCS Universal Profile 4.0 introduces Messaging-Initiated Video Calls (MIVC), enabling interoperable video calls from chats across devices and networks; however, Apple and Google have not yet announced support, and there’s no announced rollout timeline. The update also adds text formatting and higher‑quality media sharing.
The GSMA finalizes RCS Universal Profile 4.0, introducing native Messaging-Initiated Video Calls (MIVC) with late joining and chat-history sync, adds Rich Text formatting with cross-version fallbacks, improves device handshakes for higher-quality media, and upgrades business messaging with Rich Cards and embedded streaming video, as Android and iOS work toward cross-platform encryption and broader adoption.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 now can act as a USB-C webcam for PCs and laptops, letting you use its rear (primary or ultrawide) or front cameras for video calls with a High Quality Mode that offers higher bitrate but can heat the phone. The feature follows Google's native Android webcam support introduced with Android 14 QPR1 and improvements in Android 15, but Samsung has only just brought it to the S26 lineup (likely via One UI 8.5) and it’s not yet on older Galaxy devices. You can even charge the phone while plugged in during use.
Apple's iPhone 17 introduces the Center Stage front camera with an 18-megapixel square sensor, enhancing selfie and video call experiences by keeping users centered and stabilized, revolutionizing mobile photography and communication.
T-Mobile is pioneering the deployment of Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput (L4S) technology on its 5G network in the U.S., aiming to improve real-time applications like video calls and online gaming by reducing network congestion and latency, without requiring new devices or plans, and preparing for future 5G advancements such as 5.5G.
T-Mobile has rolled out support for Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput (L4S) across its 5G Advanced network, enhancing the quality of video calls, cloud gaming, and remote driving by reducing lag and buffering through early congestion signals, promising a significant boost in performance even in busy environments.
WhatsApp has launched its long-awaited dedicated iPad app, allowing users to make video and audio calls, share screens, and utilize iPadOS multitasking features, with full sync across devices and end-to-end encryption.
Google Chat is introducing a new feature called "Huddles," similar to Slack's, allowing users to initiate instant voice or video meetings directly from a chat. This feature, part of a Google Chat refresh announced last year, is rolling out now and will be available to all Workspace users soon.
Microsoft Teams is introducing an AI-powered interpreter feature that allows participants to speak or listen in their preferred language during meetings, with a preview available in early 2025 supporting up to nine languages. This is part of broader AI enhancements, including multilingual meeting transcription, visual content recaps, and video call quality improvements through the Teams Super Resolution feature. These updates aim to enhance communication and collaboration in Teams meetings.
WhatsApp has introduced a new "event" feature for community group chats, allowing users to create events for online meetings via voice or video calls with targeted notifications to recipients who have accepted the invitations. The feature, discovered in the latest Android update, enables users to input event details and send invitations to group members, with the creator having the authority to edit event details. The tech giant is considering expanding this feature to regular group chats in the future.
In 1984, a Supreme Court ruling in a lawsuit brought by Walt Disney Productions and Universal Studios against Sony declared it legal for consumers to record TV shows and movies using VCRs, overturning the objections of big companies. This decision transformed TV buffs and gadget enthusiasts from potential outlaws into legitimate home movie collectors. The article also highlights other retro tech from the past, including wild home phones from the '80s, expensive home computers from the '70s, and a '90s video phone that predated modern smartphones.
In 1984, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of consumers' right to record TV shows and movies using VCRs, following a lawsuit brought by Disney and Universal against Sony. This decision transformed TV buffs and gadget enthusiasts from potential outlaws into legal home movie collectors. The ruling had a significant impact on the retro tech landscape, including the rise of home phones and early home computers, and even pre-smartphone video calls in the '90s.
X has extended audio and video calling to all users, allowing customization of call settings to receive calls from specific groups or deactivate the feature entirely. Users can access the settings through the messaging or privacy and safety settings, and can also enable enhanced call privacy to conceal their IP addresses during calls.
Twitter has enabled audio and video calls by default, following in the footsteps of Facebook Messenger. Users can disable this feature by opening the app, heading to messages, tapping on the cog at the top right-hand corner, and toggling the "enable audio and video calling" option to off. This allows users to restrict calls to people they follow or completely disable the feature.
X, formerly known as Twitter, is expanding its audio and video calling capabilities to all users, moving closer to Elon Musk's vision of making the platform an "everything app." The feature, previously available only to paying subscribers, can now be controlled from Direct Messages settings, allowing users to receive calls from accounts they follow or have in their address book. The updated calling features are being rolled out gradually and can be turned off in the app's settings if desired.