WhatsApp enables voice and video calls directly in the browser without a desktop app

Features of web calls

A kind of waiting room is provided for group calls: new participants must first be approved by the inviting person before they can join the call. This feature is intended to prevent unauthorized people from entering larger sessions uninvited.

During an active call, users can switch between smartphone, tablet, and computer without the conversation being interrupted. WhatsApp speaks of a seamless transition between devices in this context. With this, the service is responding to a frequently cited criticism that switching devices was previously only possible with a brief interruption.

Security and device switching

According to the company, all calls remain end-to-end encrypted. This means that neither WhatsApp nor third parties can read the content of the conversations. According to WhatsApp, the encryption extends equally to one-on-one and group calls via the browser.

In addition, WhatsApp is improving video quality when starting a call and optimizing noise suppression to better filter out background noise in loud environments. These improvements are said to apply regardless of the device used.

New call area and availability

Another new feature is a dedicated call area within the web interface, complete with call history and favorites. This overview allows users to view past conversations and call preferred contacts more quickly. This brings WhatsApp closer in line with traditional telephony apps.

According to WhatsApp, the update is being rolled out gradually worldwide. Users do not need to activate the feature manually; it will be unlocked gradually for all web users. Exactly when it becomes available on a specific account depends on the timing of the distribution.

The expansion positions WhatsApp in the growing market for browser-based communication. Competitors such as Jitsi Meet also enable video conferencing without installation, but typically without the reach and contact base of a messenger. WhatsApp closely links the new feature to its existing ecosystem of chats, contacts, and groups.

Significance for business and everyday life

For companies and distributed teams, the browser variant could be particularly relevant when employees need to spontaneously join a call from a third-party computer. In the education sector and for private gatherings across distances, the hurdle of setting up a desktop application in advance will also be eliminated in future.

Overall, WhatsApp is thereby changing its own range of functions in an area that had previously been considered a weak point: the platform switch from mobile phone to computer. With the browser solution, dependence on native programs is reduced and the service aligns with the widespread model used by many web conferencing services.