WhatsApp Web reportedly gets voice and video call support: Here’s what it means for users

WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a voice and video calling support on its web client after yeas of limitations for browser-based users. As reported by WABetaInfo, the popular messaging app is gradually introducing voice and video calling on the Web, starting with individual chats for users enrolled in the beta program.

The report claims that this initial release will enable users to make calls directly from their browser without installing the desktop app for WhatsApp.As per the screenshot shared by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is rolling out the feature which will allow users to make calls directly from web client. The company has been working on the feature for quite sometime. “This initial rollout focuses on individual chats, allowing users to place both voice and video calls without installing the desktop app.

Users can simply open a chat and click the call button to start,” motions the report.The report also adds that the calls made directly from the browser will also end-to-end encrypted. This also makes sure that only the participants to the call can hear the conversation and not even WhatsApp and Meta can access the content of the call. “Calls placed from the web client are encrypted using the Signal protocol, which has protected all messages, calls, and status updates on WhatsApp for years.

It's worth noting that users do not need to enable any special settings, as encryption is automatically available for all calls,” adds the report.

The WABetaInfo also reveals that the web calls also support Screen Share functionality. Screen sharing will enable users to show their screen in realtime. The feature works similarly to desktop apps offering the same experience to users across platforms. To use this functionality, users need to be in an active video call, as voice calls do not support voice calls.

WhatsApp may soon bring this Instagram-like feature to Status

Meta-owned WhatsApp is working on a new privacy feature that will let users share status updates only with a selected group of people, similar to a “close friends” list. According to WaBetaInfo, the feature is currently under development and has been spotted in recent WhatsApp beta updates for Android. As per details found in WhatsApp beta versions 2.26.5.11 and 2.26.5.13 for Android, WhatsApp’s upcoming “close friends” list for status updates will allow users to choose specific contacts who can view selected status posts.