WhatsApp has finally added support for voice calls and video calls to the desktop version of the app. Ever since the desktop app was launched, users were wishing for support for voice and video calls. Now, the feature is finally here.
The company released a blog post titled ‘Introducing private and secure calling from the desktop’ that also contained FAQs regarding the features. The blog post said,
We’re excited to announce that private and secure one-to-one voice and video calls are now available on WhatsApp’s desktop app.
The company said that it felt the need to add support for voice and video calls to make conversations on WhatsApp feel as warm as possible. It also mentioned that last year’s eve, WhatsApp recorded a record-breaking 1.4 billion voice and video calls made in a day.
Video Call
The bigger the better is what WhatsApp feels when it comes to screens. Both portrait and landscape modes work seamlessly on the desktop app to ensure that the user feels comfortable during the conversation. The call window will always be displayed at the top to ensure users do not lose track of it and it appears in a standalone resizable window too.
Voice Calls
Voice calls will have no changes. This feature can be used just like one does on their phones.
End-to-end Encryption
Voice calls and Video calls are end-to-end encrypted on WhatsApp irrespective of the devices used. WhatsApp made it clear in the blog post that it cannot see or hear the calls/access the calls. It is clear that WhatsApp mentioned this to avoid offending users who are already upset with its new privacy policy.
Group Calls
Currently, the group call feature, both voice, and video calls are not supported on the desktop version of the app. This is to ensure that the quality of the calls remains superior. The company has assured users that in the future support for group voice and video calls will be added too.
Availability
The company clarified that voice and video calls from the desktop version of WhatsApp can be only made through Windows PC and Mac devices.
Almost 5 years after the launch of the app for desktop, WhatsApp has added the much-needed features of voice and video calling to the app. This move comes after the company issued a statement on their blog last week talking about their privacy policy which landed the company in hot water.