From the smartphone app, WhatsApp has long allowed users to make voice and video calls. It has increased the number of people who can join a group video call to eight. Although WhatsApp Web doesn’t have the same features, you can use Messenger Rooms to video call your buddies. That’s about to change, as WhatsApp has started experimenting with audio and video calls on its beta versions of the Whatsapp Web and Desktop.
Popular WhatsApp tipper WABetaInfo first revealed that the firm was working to offer this functionality back in October. The feature is currently only accessible to a very small number of users. And consider me fortunate because I can use WhatsApp desktop’s new audio/video calling function, which is now in beta (version #2.2049.10).
Note that WhatsApp Desktop is given preference during this beta test according to WABetaInfo. In order to check whether voice/video calling is available for you, download the desktop programme from this link if, like me, you cannot see the feature on the website.
Voice/ Video Calls on WhatsApp Web and Desktop
You will start to notice two buttons next to the contact name if you have been chosen for the beta test. the other for video calls, one for audio calls. They also bear the beta label, as the leaker’s earlier tips indicated.
The WhatsApp web and desktop apps’ audio and video calling capabilities are currently only available for private conversations. In group chats, the new calling buttons won’t be visible.
Now, I don’t think it’s necessary to describe how WhatsApp’s voice and video calling features on desktop and the web function. To make a call, all you have to do is tap one of the buttons. Instead, allow me to show you the user interface (UI) that will appear when you make and receive calls from the desktop software.
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WhatsApp Desktop Audio Call
When you select the audio call button, a pop-up will appear in the top right corner (shown in the first image). It will have buttons for mute, end call, and the name of the recipient. You notice a larger pop-up with the name, profile photo, and Accept/Decline buttons if you receive an audio call (shown in the second image).
Under the three-dot menu, there is a choice to select the audio/video input devices (such as an external microphone and camera). Here’s how it appears:
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WhatsApp Desktop Video Call
On WhatsApp online or desktop, the user interface for video calling is essentially the same. When you click the video calling option on WhatsApp’s desktop, your video feed will appear in a pop-up window. The software gives you the same choices as before. The secondary pop-up window on your desktop can be resized to fit your needs.
For WhatsApp Web and Desktop, the audio/video calling capability is presently in beta. It is only being rolled out to a small number of users. The audio and video quality in my tests was quite acceptable, and I had no trouble connecting to the user. WhatsApp has not yet made the function official. But given that it operates without a hitch, we may anticipate its launch very soon. Watch this space for additional developments. Also, feel free to ask us questions in the comments section if you have any.
