WhatsApp has announced a new set of features that are being hailed as one of the biggest updates to its calling functionality in the coming years. This update not only brings the much-requested calling feature to WhatsApp Web, but it also offers users more control over their group calls. As far as availability is concerned, the Meta-owned messaging platform has already started rolling out these features and they should be available to WhatsApp users globally in the coming days.
WhatsApp Web gets a major update
Let’s talk about the WhatsApp Web first. WhatsApp is finally bringing its calling feature to WhatsApp Web. With its latest update, web users will be able to make voice and video calls through a web browser. This not only includes one-on-one calls, but it also includes video calls. This means that WhatsApp users will no longer have to rely on their smartphones on the company’s Windows or Mac based apps to make and receive calls.
For the unversed, WhatsApp introduced voice calls to its Android and iOS-based apps in 2015. A year later in November 2016, it brought video calling feature to its mobile apps. However, it wasn’t until 2023 that it brought the calling feature, both voice calls and video calls, to its desktop-based apps on Windows and Mac. Now, almost three years later the feature is being rolled out to the web.
How to make a voice or video call using WhatsApp Web
Here’s a step-by-step guide for the same:
Step 1: Relaunch WhatsApp Web in the web browser on your PC or laptop.
Step 2: Open the contact window to whom you want to call.
Step 3: Tap the video call or audio call button depending on the type of call you want to make.
Step 4: When you are calling for the first time, give WhatsApp Web access to your laptop’s microphone and web camera. You can pick between one-time access, no access and access while using WhatsApp Web based on your preference.
Step 5: Tap on ‘Ok Got It’ button. Once you do so, WhatsApp will start ringing your contact.
WhatsApp calling gets smarter
In addition to updating WhatsApp Web, the company has also rolled out new features that improve the overall calling experience on its platform. First, it has introduced a new Call Transfer feature that lets users transfer an active group call from one device to another without hanging up. With this feature, users can start a call on the company’s mobile app and then transfer it to WhatsApp Web or Desktop to collaborate on a bigger screen.
Next, it has introduced a Waiting Room feature that will users more control over their group calls. This feature is similar to the feature that’s available in video conferencing platforms such as Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. WhatsApp says that when users create a WhatsApp call link with “Require approval to join” enabled, participants will enter a waiting room until they are ready to let them in.
Additionally, WhatsApp has introduced a QuickHD feature that let’s users enjoy a high-definition video call immediately after joining it. This feature will give participants access to a better video quality while calling their friends and family.
Lastly, the company has also introduced a Noise Suppression feature that removes background noise from a call so that participants can focus on the call even in loud environments. However, WhatsApp says that this feature won’t be enabled by default and that users will have to manage it in their ‘in-call settings’. This is similar to what various video conferencing platforms offer to their users.
