Washington [US]: WhatsApp Web has started rolling out support for voice and video calls, marking a major upgrade for desktop users nearly ten years after the browser-based platform was first launched in 2015.
According to GSM Arena, the new feature is currently being introduced through the WhatsApp Web beta programme. At present, the calling option is limited to one-to-one voice and video calls.
Users who have access to the beta version can also share their screen during an active call, expanding the platform’s functionality beyond simple messaging and bringing it closer to the experience offered by the mobile and desktop applications.
Until now, voice and video calling on WhatsApp were available only through its mobile app and dedicated desktop application, while browser users did not have direct access to these features. The latest update bridges that gap, offering greater convenience to users who rely on web browsers for communication.
Reports suggest that calls made via WhatsApp Web are protected with automatic end-to-end encryption powered by the Signal protocol, ensuring that conversations remain secure and private.
Although group calling is not yet available on the web version, it is expected to be introduced in upcoming updates. WhatsApp is reportedly working on enabling group calls with up to 32 participants. Features such as call links and scheduled calls are also likely to be rolled out in phases.
