WhatsApp Web develops group voice and video calls

WhatsApp is developing voice and video calling features for group chats on its web app platform.

WABetaInfo reported that WhatsApp is improving its web version to align with other platforms. 

The update lets users on WhatsApp Web have almost all the features of the mobile and desktop apps. WABetaInfo added that WhatsApp seeks to unify user experiences on web platforms, desktop, and mobile applications.

The update aims to provide users with shared or multiple devices more flexibility. It will help users stay connected and handle communications smoothly across different platforms.

Group calling spotted in WhatsApp Web beta

The recent changes to the WhatsApp Web beta show that developers are working on adding voice and video calls for group chats. The feature was partly announced last year, though support for groups remained in its infancy then.

The new group call feature will let web client users join calls from any device. For example, if someone uses a computer that does not belong to them, they can use the web client to make calls without needing to install a desktop app. 

Users will gain control over the call notifications they get from WhatsApp Web through this convenience. Moreover, the ongoing development includes numerous features that the Android and iOS apps currently offer.

According to the source, the new feature is being developed and refined to ensure the best experience at launch.

WhatsApp is testing group calls using the web client. Source: WABetaInfo.

WhatsApp is developing call links and scheduling

WhatsApp wants to compete with video conferencing apps like Zoom and Google Meet and scheduling tools such as Calendly. The developers of WhatsApp are creating call links or call URLs alongside group calling.

The feature allows users to quickly create a link that others can use to join the call. When users create a call link, they can select if it is for a voice or video call, similar to the option available on WhatsApp for Android and iOS.

WhatsApp is also working on a feature that allows users to schedule calls in both individual and group chats. A scheduled call carries a name and description to inform participants about its purpose. Users will have the option to set approximate start and end times when scheduling a call.

WhatsApp Web will generate an event shared with the users involved, so they are informed beforehand when a call is about to start. Like the call link feature, users must indicate if the scheduled call is a voice or video call.

Group calls may have a maximum of 32 participants, like the mobile app. The limit aims to provide a stable and high-quality call experience to prevent interruptions.

It is unclear if WhatsApp will first launch group calls with fewer participants, like 8 or 16 users, and then increase the limit to 32 over time.

According to WABetaInfo, further details about the WhatsApp calling features will be announced soon.

Recent stats showed that WhatsApp has over 3 billion monthly active users globally. This number indicates that around 36.59% of the global population of 8.2 billion people uses WhatsApp.

The messaging app, which is owned by Meta, gained 1 billion new users in the past 5 years.

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