WhatsApp video calls are coming to PC. Similar to Zoom and Google Meet

WhatsApp has begun a phased rollout of voice and video calling to the web version of the service. The feature is rolling out to individual chats and is available to a select group of users in the beta program. The main change is that calls now work directly in the browser without the need to install a separate desktop app.

How WhatsApp video calls work

The company previously confirmed the development of group calls for the web client. They are expected to support up to 32 participants, as well as additional features, including call links and scheduled calls. For now, this functionality remains in the development stage, as the developers intend to complete testing before the full launch.

At the same time, individual calls have already begun to appear among users. To make a call, just open the desired chat in WhatsApp Web and press the call button. According to the developers, work on this feature lasted almost a year to ensure a level of quality comparable to the capabilities of desktop applications.

As in the mobile versions for Android and iOS, as well as in desktop clients, all calls in the web version are protected by end-to-end encryption. Only the participants in the conversation have access to the content of the conversations – neither WhatsApp nor Meta can listen to the calls. The Signal protocol is used for protection, which has been used for a long time to encrypt messages, calls and other service data. No additional actions are required from the user, the protection is activated automatically.

Other updates to the web version of WhatsApp

The web version of WhatsApp also supports screen sharing during video calls. The function works similarly to desktop applications and allows you to show documents, presentations and other content directly from the browser. The demonstration is available only in video call mode. At the same time, the developers note that you should only share your screen with trusted interlocutors, since during the broadcast, the interlocutor can see all the information displayed on the display, including personal data.

The appearance of calls in WhatsApp Web is especially relevant for Linux users, since the service does not offer a separate desktop application for this operating system, and the web version has long remained the only option for work. Now Linux users have the opportunity to make calls without having to switch to a smartphone. The function may also be useful for some Windows users who do not use the updated hybrid desktop client.

Currently, voice and video calls are available only to some participants in the WhatsApp Web beta program. Over the coming weeks, the company plans to gradually expand access to the function to a wider audience, including outside of testing. After completing this stage, the developers intend to introduce group calls to provide a full set of communication capabilities in the browser.