What you need to know
- WhatsApp is testing video and voice calling through WhatsApp Web.
- The features have recently appeared for some beta testers.
- When you're on a call on WhatsApp Web, you'll see a pop-out with call controls and information.
WhatsApp is one of the world's most popular communication apps. It allows you to message, call, and video call people around the world for free. It has over one billion users, but some of its best features are limited to users on the phone. While WhatsApp Web allows you to message people from a computer, you couldn't use it to make calls or video calls; at least not until recently. WhatsApp is currently testing voice and video calls through WhatsApp web.
The folks over at WABetaInfo were the first to spot the new features for WhatsApp Web and XDA Developers followed up with more context.
For beta testers that have access to the features, WhatsApp Web shows voice and video calling buttons along the top of the screen. If you receive a call, you'll see a pop-up with call controls and information about the person on the other end of the call.
When you make a call through WhatsApp Web right now, you see a different pop-out window, but it shares much of the same functionality as if you were on the receiving end.
The new functionality is in beta testing and even among beta testers appears to be limited to a subset of people. WhatsApp hasn't announced a release date for call and video call support on WhatsApp web, but with it in testing, it might not be that far off from rolling out to more people.