Meta has officially announced voice and video calling support for WhatsApp Web. Users can now make and receive calls directly from a supported web browser without downloading the WhatsApp desktop app.
Until now, WhatsApp only supported audio and video calls through its mobile and desktop apps. Web users had to install the desktop app if they wanted to use the calling feature.
With this update, users can make both one-on-one and group voice and video calls directly from WhatsApp Web. The calling experience also includes screen sharing, reactions, and a dedicated Calls tab that shows call history and favorite contacts.
Like calls made through the WhatsApp mobile and desktop apps, web calls are end-to-end encrypted. They are also free and have no time limits.
The new feature will be especially useful for people using shared or office computers where installing software is not allowed.
It is also good news for Linux users, as Meta still does not offer an official WhatsApp desktop app for Linux. They can now access voice and video calls directly from a browser.
WhatsApp has also introduced the ability to transfer an ongoing group call between different devices without disconnecting. For example, users can start a group call on their phone and move it to a tablet, desktop, or web browser when they want a larger screen.
Meta is also adding a new waiting room feature for WhatsApp call links. When the “Require approval to join” option is enabled, the person who created the call can approve participants before they join. The feature works similarly to waiting rooms available in Microsoft Teams and other video conferencing platforms.
WhatsApp is also improving the calling experience with a new QuickHD feature. It enables HD video quality within the first few seconds of a call instead of taking longer to switch to high definition.
The company has also added background noise suppression, which can be controlled through the in-call settings to improve voice quality.
Meta says these new calling features are rolling out gradually. They will become available to all WhatsApp users over the coming weeks.
