WhatsApp Web is reportedly in the works to introduce voice and video calling support, reflecting a feature already available on its desktop applications for Windows and Mac since 2021. Recent findings from a beta update suggest that users will soon be able to make individual and group calls directly from their browsers. This improvement aims to eliminate the need for a separate desktop app for calling functionalities. Although the official release timeline for this feature remains uncertain, its presence in the beta version indicates that it is likely to be implemented in a future update.
This enhancement could streamline the initial setup process for users new to desktop devices, as they would not need to install an additional application for calls. The desktop application of WhatsApp gained audio and video call capabilities four years ago, and it appears that WhatsApp Web is finally about to catch up. Similar to Meta’s Messenger web client, which has offered calling support for some time, it was only a matter of time before WhatsApp Web would follow suit given the shared technology underlying these applications. Following a recent UI update that aligned WhatsApp Web’s look more closely with its Android counterpart, it has been discovered that calling support is in development.
According to insights from WABetaInfo, the new function could operate in the same manner as the existing desktop app, providing users the ability to initiate calls with groups and individuals. Users will likely have to grant permissions for their microphone and webcam the first time they start a call on WhatsApp Web. These permissions are expected to remain as long as the same browser is used and cookies and site data are not cleared. Alternatively, users can grant permissions on a visit-by-visit basis.
Overall, this development could significantly reduce the setup time for users switching to new desktop devices, making communication easier than ever. While the exact timeline for the rollout remains unclear, the beta discovery suggests that the feature may be approaching its official debut. This progress comes alongside the introduction of a new Advanced Chat Privacy feature aimed at enhancing user security on the platform.
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