WhatsApp is testing voice and video calls on desktop, gearing up to take on Zoom and Google Meet

• WhatsApp calling on desktop is rolling out to select users, allowing them to make voice and video calls from their desktop and laptop.
• The WhatsApp desktop calling feature is currently rolling out in the beta channel, but availability will likely be expanded over the coming days.
• Up until now, WhatsApp calling was limited only to the mobile app.
• Apart from this, WhatsApp is also testing features like mute video, advanced wallpaper and more.

WhatsApp voice and video calling is moving beyond just smartphones and onto desktops of users. This feature will now allow users to make or receive WhatsApp calls directly using their PCs or laptops in a move that may threaten Google Meet and Zoom’s market share.

The two services saw a boom in users during the COVID-19 pandemic due to more people working from home and using video conferencing to connect with the outside world.

The key differentiator between them and WhatsApp is that the latter is mostly used for personal calls. But, that may be set to change as it makes its way to desktops and larger screens.

Even though the feature is only rolling out for a limited number of users on the beta channel right now, coverage is expected to expand in the coming days, according to a report by WABetaInfo, a website that tracks new and upcoming WhatsApp features.

According to the report, when users receive voice or video calls on the WhatsApp desktop, a small window pops up, allowing them to accept or decline the call. The interface of the call window is similar to what is available on the WhatsApp mobile app.

The report adds that WhatsApp desktop app users are being given priority over web users, the traditional way that WhatsApp users access the messaging platform using a web browser.

How to enable WhatsApp calling on desktop?

WhatsApp calling on desktop is currently limited to a small number of users. But if you want to get on the list, you can try enrolling yourself in the WhatsApp beta channel for Android and iOS devices.

To enroll for WhatsApp beta for Android, follow these steps:

1. Search for WhatsApp in the Play Store.
   
2. Scroll down and click on the ‘Join’ button under ‘Join the beta’ section.
   

To enroll for WhatsApp beta on iOS, follow these steps:

1. Download Apple’s TestFlight app from the App Store.
   
2. Search for WhatsApp in the TestFlight app and follow the on-screen instructions.
   

Other recent WhatsApp beta features being tested

In addition to WhatsApp calling on desktop, the messaging app is testing several other features in the beta version.

According to reports, WhatsApp is developing a mute video feature that would allow users to mute videos before sharing them with other WhatsApp users.

Apart from this, the company is also reportedly developing a standalone desktop app that would allow users to use WhatsApp on their computers and laptops without pairing it with their smartphones. This could be done similar to the Telegram app, but the exact details are not known yet.

With inputs from IANS.

SEE ALSO:

How to use two WhatsApp on a single phone

WhatsApp Pay strengthens its UPI offering — ties up with SBI, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank

WhatsApp to soon let users mute videos before sending them to others