WhatsApp rolls out web calling and new call features across devices

Meta-owned WhatsApp on Tuesday announced a set of new calling features aimed at making it easier for users to connect across devices. The update will bring full calling functionality to WhatsApp Web for the first time, alongside other tools designed to improve the calling experience, the company said in a blog post.

New CEO Kunal Shah, said in a post on X, "WhatsApp calls now work in your browser. Your 47 open Chrome tabs finally got company that's actually useful." He posted a screengrab of his WhatsApp Web video call with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.



WhatsApp said all of the new features are rolling out gradually and will become available to all users over time.

This is among the first major launches by WhatsApp with Shah as the global head. He took over the reins at the company in June, exiting Cred. This came along with a $900-million investment from the Zuckerberg-led company into the fintech.

New offerings

The main addition is Web Calling, through which users can make and receive one-on-one and group audio and video calls directly from a browser, without downloading the WhatsApp app.

"You'll have access to features available on your other devices including screen sharing, reactions, and a dedicated Calls tab with your full call history and favorites, all from your browser," the post read. WhatsApp emphasised that these calls remain end-to-end encrypted, with no time limits and no cost, same as its mobile and desktop apps.

Another new feature is Call Transfer, which lets users move an active group call from one device to another without disconnecting.

Waiting Room is also a new offering, which gives call organisers more control over who joins group calls. When a WhatsApp call link has the "Require approval to join" setting enabled, participants will wait in a holding area until the host admits them.

WhatsApp also added QuickHD, a new mode for high-definition video within the first few seconds of a call, and Noise Suppression, which filters background noise.