CALIFORNIA (Kashmir English): WhatsApp is all set to offer voice and video calling to its web client, to enhance user access across devices without installing extra software.
The new feature will expand functionality beyond messaging for users who prefer using the app in a browser.
The new feature, currently in development, is expected to be introduced in a future update.
WABetaInfo, a platform known for tracking WhatsApp developments, reported the development.
The new feature will allow users to make both group and individual calls directly from browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Safari —eliminating the need to download WhatsApp’s dedicated desktop app for Windows or macOS.
WhatsApp had limited web browser users
Since launching its native desktop calling feature in 2021, WhatsApp had limited web browser users to messaging and media sharing.
The inability to initiate or receive calls from the browser has remained a considerable limitation for users, particularly those relying on web access at work or while travelling.
This decision to introduce voice and video calling for web client, is part of a broader shift by parent company Meta to create a more flexible user experience across platforms.
The development aligns with a rising need for seamless communication tools amid the rise of remote and hybrid work environments.
To use the feature, users will need to grant their browser access to a microphone and webcam.
Although the exact launch date is still not known, the beta integration indicates that public release may not be far off.
The move follows recent improvements to WhatsApp Web’s interface, which now closely resembles its Android app layout, and comes shortly after the release of a new Advanced Chat Privacy feature aimed at securing users’ conversations.
