WhatsApp has started rolling out voice and video calls to web-based users. Once this update is fully rolled out, web-based users will be able to place voice and video calls directly from their supported browsers' tabs, like Chrome and Edge.
Before, a desktop app is required to carry out voice and video calls. But once this update launches, there will be no need to install the desktop app on your PC or computer to perform the basics. The social media company says the feature is still in the beta version of the WhatsApp web app.
Meanwhile, it's important to note that once this feature is rolled out, it'll first support one-to-one voice and video calls, meaning that group calls are planned for the future. WhatsApp says group calls of up to 32 participants, plus extras like call links and scheduled calls, will be allowed once that phase is ready.
However, you can simply open a conversation, tap the call icon, and start a voice or video call without leaving WhatsApp Web. WhatsApp says the web-based voice and video calls will remain end-to-end encrypted. This means that the company still prioritises using the Signal protocol it already used across messages, calls, and status updates.
Support for screen sharing
WhatsApp is not only rolling out voice and video calls on its web-based platform; the company is also adding support for screen sharing, but only during a video call. Therefore, you can now share that document or walk someone through a tutorial on the screen session, and at the same time be on the camera.
That is to say, if you're not on camera doing a video call, the screen sharing will not work. These updates are indeed practical fixes for Linux users, who are not allowed access to the WhatsApp desktop native app because the company prioritises massive market share of operating systems like Windows and macOS.
Notably, the features are now available to WhatsApp Web beta users. If you're one of these users, you can simply check inside a one-to-one chat, and if you see calling controls, you can use the browser for voice and video calls. At the same time, the sharing screen during video calls will also be available.
However, if the feature isn't yet available to you, then you may need to wait a little longer. In addition to that, WhatsApp has not specified which browser will be prioritised. For now, it's important to always keep your phone handy or your PC by your side for any urgent video meetings or the like.
