Overview
- WhatsApp began a phased global rollout of browser calling on Tuesday, July 28, so some users already see a new Calls tab while others must wait for the feature to arrive.
- The web client now supports one-to-one and group voice and video calls plus screen sharing, reactions, a call history/favorites tab, and the ability to transfer an active call between phone, tablet, desktop app and browser without hanging up.
- New meeting controls include a ‘‘waiting room’' option that lets an organizer require approval for each participant who joins from an invitation link.
- WhatsApp says all web calls remain end-to-end encrypted, they carry no extra cost and have no time limits, and the update adds QuickHD for faster high-definition video startup and noise cancellation to improve audio clarity.
- The change targets hybrid workers and students who use multiple devices and limited-install environments and could shift some meeting traffic from Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams as WhatsApp Web becomes a direct collaboration option.