WhatsApp Desktop now lets you make and receive calls and video calls: that’s how it works

Good news for WhatsApp users. The messaging service makes it possible from today to make and receive calls via WhatsApp Desktop. Until now, you have to use the mobile app for that. The possibilities will be further expanded in the coming period.

WhatsApp Desktop lets you make (video) calls

In a press release, WhatsApp announced that it is rolling out a new feature to the WhatsApp desktop app. From now on it will be possible to make a call to others via WhatsApp Desktop, or to initiate a video call with someone else. This has been possible for much longer via the mobile app (Android and iOS), but not yet via the computer. That will change from today, the service says. During the last New Year’s Eve, 1.4 billion voice and video calls were made via WhatsApp, a record number in one day. The functionality is still often used. Reason enough for the messaging service to expand the functionality.

Initially it will be possible to make a one-to-one call. Group (video) conversations will be possible at a later stage, but that is not yet the case. WhatsApp will let you know about the new feature;

“A larger screen for video calls makes it easier to collaborate with colleagues, see family better, and you have your hands free to move around a room while you talk. To make desktop calling as practical as possible, we’ve made sure that it works seamlessly for both portrait and landscape, appears in a separate customizable window on your computer screen, and is always in the foreground so you never get your video calls gets lost between open browser tabs or windows. ”

You may need to be a little patient to use the functionality. The option will be rolled out from now on, but it may take a while until everyone has the function. To call someone else, you can press the call icon next to a contact. It does not matter whether the other is recording on the computer or smartphone. According to WhatsApp, voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted and WhatsApp cannot hear or see what is being said.

Sometimes you just need a little more space. Secure and reliable, end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls are now available on our desktop app. Download now: https://t.co/JCc3rUunoU pic.twitter.com/PgCl76Mn7U

– WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) March 4, 2021