New function under test WhatsApp will soon allow you to make calls directly on your PC
WhatsApp is bringing voice and video calls directly into the web browser. It's a step that closes a long-open convenience gap, but also raises new questions about security.
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- WhatsApp enables voice and video calls directly in the browser, initially for individual calls, later also for groups.
- The messenger uses screen sharing to attack established video conferencing services.
- However, WhatsApp is entering the market with a significant delay.
Until now, WhatsApp in the browser was primarily an extension of the smartphone. If you wanted to make calls or communicate via video, you either had to use your cell phone or install a separate desktop application. This dependency is now coming to an end. According to information from WABetaInfo, Meta is gradually rolling out voice and video calls for WhatsApp Web.
The introduction is deliberately cautious. In the first phase, only one-to-one calls are possible. One click on the handset or camera icon in the chat is enough to establish the connection. Group calls with up to 32 participants, call links and scheduled calls will follow after a further test phase.
Encryption as a firm promise
Meta emphasizes that the central pillars remain unchanged. Web calls are also end-to-end encrypted. The Signal protocol, which WhatsApp has been using for years for messages, calls and status messages, will continue to be used. Neither Meta nor WhatsApp itself can view or listen in on content. No additional settings are required; encryption is automatic.
For many users, this is likely to be a decisive trust factor - especially against the backdrop of recurring debates about data protection, Meta's business model and government surveillance.
Screen sharing as an attack on Zoom and Teams
With the introduction of screen sharing, WhatsApp is also finally leaving the pure messenger cosmos. During a video call, users can share their screen and show documents, presentations or other content in real time. In terms of functionality, the feature is based on familiar desktop solutions.
The move is more than just a convenience function. It positions WhatsApp as a low-threshold alternative to business platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet. Anyone who already communicates via WhatsApp on a daily basis can now have spontaneous work conversations without having to switch services. At the same time, there is still a risk. The entire visible screen is shared, including sensitive content. The responsibility for discretion therefore lies entirely with the user.
A belated foray into a saturated market
As logical as the expansion seems, it comes late. The global home office boom during the coronavirus pandemic brought explosive growth for video conferencing services. During this phase, WhatsApp Web remained limited to text and media, while Zoom, Slack and Teams established themselves as the standard. Meta thus missed a historic opportunity and now has to compete for attention in a largely distributed market.
At the same time, the move shows how strongly usage habits have become entrenched. WhatsApp has billions of users worldwide. Even a delayed feature can therefore develop enormous reach.
