M
MercyNews
Home
Back
WhatsApp Web Finally Adds Voice & Video Calls
Technology

WhatsApp Web Finally Adds Voice & Video Calls

9to5Mac2h ago
3 min read
📋

Key Facts

  • ✓ WhatsApp Web is adding support for voice and video calls in group chats, a feature that has been requested by users for years.
  • ✓ The update brings the web version closer to feature parity with the mobile application, eliminating a major limitation.
  • ✓ Previously, group calls were exclusive to the mobile app, forcing desktop users to switch devices to participate.
  • ✓ This development marks a significant step forward for WhatsApp's cross-platform communication strategy.
  • ✓ The new functionality will allow users to initiate and manage group calls directly from their desktop browser interface.

In This Article

  1. A Long-Awaited Arrival
  2. Closing the Feature Gap
  3. Impact on User Experience
  4. Technical Implementation
  5. What This Means for Users
  6. Looking Ahead

A Long-Awaited Arrival#

For years, users of the web-based version of WhatsApp have navigated a significant limitation: the inability to participate in group voice or video calls directly from their desktop browser. This gap has often required switching back to a mobile device mid-conversation, disrupting workflows and social interactions alike.

Now, that long-standing wishlist item is finally becoming a reality. The platform is preparing to roll out full call support for group chats on its web interface, marking a major milestone in feature parity between desktop and mobile experiences.

Closing the Feature Gap#

The update addresses one of the most persistent requests from the WhatsApp community. While individual voice calls have been available on the web for some time, group functionality remained exclusive to the mobile app. This created a disjointed experience for professionals and casual users alike who relied on desktop workflows.

With this new implementation, users will be able to:

  • Initiate group voice calls directly from their computer
  • Start group video calls without reaching for their phone
  • Manage call participants from the larger desktop interface
  • Seamlessly switch between devices during ongoing conversations

The change represents a significant evolution for WhatsApp Web, transforming it from a messaging companion into a full-featured communication hub.

"One of the longest-standing wishlist items for users of the web-based version of WhatsApp is at last on the way."

— Platform Announcement

Impact on User Experience#

This development fundamentally changes how users interact with WhatsApp in professional environments. The ability to join group calls from a desktop browser eliminates the friction of device switching, particularly valuable for remote workers and teams collaborating across time zones.

The cross-platform integration becomes more seamless, allowing users to maintain their preferred workflow without interruption. Whether participating in a family video call or a business conference, the desktop experience now offers the same core functionality as mobile.

One of the longest-standing wishlist items for users of the web-based version of WhatsApp is at last on the way.

The update also aligns WhatsApp Web with competing platforms that have long offered full calling capabilities on desktop, bringing the service into closer parity with industry standards.

Technical Implementation#

The rollout appears to be part of WhatsApp's broader strategy to unify its ecosystem across all platforms. By extending group call capabilities to the web interface, the company is addressing a critical gap in its service offering.

While specific technical details remain limited, the implementation will likely leverage the same end-to-end encryption that protects all WhatsApp communications. This ensures that group calls maintain the same security standards as individual conversations.

The feature will be accessible through the standard WhatsApp Web interface, requiring no additional software installation or complex setup procedures.

What This Means for Users#

For the millions of users who rely on WhatsApp Web daily, this update represents more than just a new feature—it's a fundamental improvement to the platform's utility. The ability to conduct group calls from a desktop browser opens up new possibilities for both personal and professional communication.

Key benefits include:

  • Enhanced productivity for remote workers
  • Reduced dependency on mobile devices during work hours
  • Improved accessibility for users with mobility considerations
  • Consistent experience across all devices

The broader accessibility particularly benefits users who may have limited mobile data or prefer the larger screen and better audio quality of desktop systems.

Looking Ahead#

The introduction of group voice and video calls on WhatsApp Web marks a significant milestone in the platform's evolution. It demonstrates WhatsApp's commitment to listening to user feedback and closing long-standing feature gaps.

As the rollout progresses, users can expect a more unified communication experience that transcends device boundaries. This update not only enhances current functionality but also sets the stage for future innovations in cross-platform communication.

The move ultimately reinforces WhatsApp's position as a versatile communication tool, capable of meeting the diverse needs of its global user base across all devices and platforms.

#News

Continue scrolling for more

AI Transforms Mathematical Research and Proofs
Technology

AI Transforms Mathematical Research and Proofs

Artificial intelligence is shifting from a promise to a reality in mathematics. Machine learning models are now generating original theorems, forcing a reevaluation of research and teaching methods.

Just now
4 min
287
Read Article
TurboTax Deluxe Drops to $45 in Pre-Tax Season Sale
Economics

TurboTax Deluxe Drops to $45 in Pre-Tax Season Sale

With tax season approaching, Amazon has discounted the TurboTax Deluxe desktop edition by 44%, bringing the price down to $45. This sale offers a significant saving for those who need to file both state and federal returns.

59m
5 min
0
Read Article
Bermuda Plots Fully On-Chain National Economy
Cryptocurrency

Bermuda Plots Fully On-Chain National Economy

The island nation of Bermuda is embarking on an unprecedented economic transformation, aiming to move its entire financial infrastructure onto a blockchain-based system with support from major crypto firms.

1h
7 min
6
Read Article
Xiaomi's New Magnetic Battery Bank: Slim Design, Uncertain Future
Technology

Xiaomi's New Magnetic Battery Bank: Slim Design, Uncertain Future

Xiaomi has unveiled a new magnetic wireless battery bank that boasts a razor-thin profile and 15W charging speeds. However, the device's lack of official Qi2 certification raises questions about its compatibility and future-proofing in the rapidly evolving wireless charging market.

1h
5 min
6
Read Article
Kia Unveils Plans for New Flagship Halo EV
Automotive

Kia Unveils Plans for New Flagship Halo EV

Kia is pushing ahead with plans for yet another EV, but this one will be unique as a new flagship halo model. We already have a good idea of what it will look like.

1h
4 min
6
Read Article
Injective Community Approves Historic Token Supply Reduction
Cryptocurrency

Injective Community Approves Historic Token Supply Reduction

A landmark governance decision with 99.89% approval signals overwhelming community backing for deflationary tokenomics. The vote updates key parameters controlling INJ removal from circulation.

1h
5 min
6
Read Article
Creative Coding Library Turns Desktop Windows into Digital Art
Technology

Creative Coding Library Turns Desktop Windows into Digital Art

A new creative coding library allows developers to transform desktop windows into dynamic art canvases, merging programming with visual expression. The project, shared by Will Meyers, explores the intersection of technology and culture.

1h
5 min
0
Read Article
Google Makes Switching from Safari to Chrome on iPhone Effortless
Technology

Google Makes Switching from Safari to Chrome on iPhone Effortless

A new feature in development aims to simplify the transition for iPhone users moving from Safari to Chrome, importing bookmarks and history directly.

1h
5 min
17
Read Article
Hidden Android Setting Detects Fake Cell Towers
Technology

Hidden Android Setting Detects Fake Cell Towers

A little-known Android feature can alert users to potential security threats from fake cell towers. This guide explains how to access and use this critical privacy setting.

1h
5 min
0
Read Article
Apple Podcasts & App Store Ads: Daily Tech Update
Technology

Apple Podcasts & App Store Ads: Daily Tech Update

A daily recap of top technology stories, focusing on Apple's ecosystem, App Store advertising trends, and the accessibility of digital audio content across multiple platforms.

1h
3 min
16
Read Article
🎉

You're all caught up!

Check back later for more stories

Back to Home