WhatsApp Web: You will no longer need to download an app to make audio or video calls via WhatsApp on your laptop. The company has rolled out support for audio and video calls on WhatsApp Web, although the feature is not yet available to all users. Meanwhile, the company has also added group support to this feature; this means that, in addition to individual calls, users can now make voice and video calls to entire groups simultaneously from the web version. Some beta users have already gained access to this feature, and it will be made available to other users in the coming weeks.
Calls with up to 32 people
Once this feature arrives, users will see a call button at the top of the group chat window. Tapping this will allow users to call a group or its members. Up to 32 members can be called simultaneously. According to reports, calling on the web version will also be end-to-end encrypted, utilizing the Signal Protocol. This means that no one—including Meta—other than the participants involved in the call will be able to access the call’s content. Users will be able to invite other participants by generating a link and will also have the option to create a waiting list.
Option to share screen
Similar to the mobile version, this feature will include an option to share the screen during video calls. This allows for the sharing of documents, slides, and other content. However, this option will not work during voice calls. Regarding other details, call notifications will be enabled by default once the calling support rolls out. Users will receive voice and video call notifications within the browser even if the chat window is closed. Users will be provided with full controls to manage these notifications. Additionally, WhatsApp may also introduce an option to schedule calls.
Who will benefit?
This update will prove highly useful for those who primarily use WhatsApp Web. Some Windows users still access WhatsApp via a browser instead of downloading the app. This will be even more beneficial for Linux users, as there is currently no dedicated WhatsApp app for that platform; users will now be able to access app-like features directly through the browser.
