From being a space reserved for work environments to becoming a tool that brought us closer virtually when the pandemic prevented it physically: video calls They became a real lifesaver. Platforms like Zoom They jumped to private computers, just like Google Meet, another of the standards. Now WhatsApp brings calls and video calls to its web version. They may not be so necessary, but they have more than one advantage.
WhatsApp Web launches voice and video calls. Using messaging from a browser was fine for messages, not for advanced communication features. After several months of testingMeta now includes calls and video calls on WhatsApp Web, both in private and group chats. It is valid for any computer that has a webcam and without the need for a mobile phone. Yes indeed, WhatsApp Web You must have the active link to the account.
No time limit. This is important, since it is exactly what makes novelty so attractive. Given that Zoom and Google Meet limit free use with time (40 minutes for the first and one hour for the second), the fact that WhatsApp Web offers it unlimited is a great incentive for those who until now used the competition. At least on a private level.
WhatsApp image
Not only do they offer unlimited duration, WhatsApp calls and video calls in the web browser have the following advantages:
- You can start a call on your mobile and transfer it to WhatsApp Web without it being cut off. And vice versa: the transfer between devices is active for all those that support messaging.
- WhatsApp has enabled a waiting room from which you can organize who enters or does not enter the call or video call. It works on both mobile and web.
- They allow screen sharing. It is perfect if you want to fix the computer remotely, for example: you can ask the person who is using WhatsApp Web for what you need.
- QuickHD is released: the video starts in high definition from the first seconds, without the call appearing blurry.
- They incorporate background noise suppression. It is activated by default and you can deactivate it from the settings, during the call.
- WhatsApp Web adds its own call tab, with complete history and favorite contacts. You don’t need to open a chat to call.
- You can send live reactions while you talk, just like on mobile.
- They work in Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari without installing anything.
- WhatsApp Web calls are completely free and without time limits.
- They do have a limit of users in a group call: 32 people.
- Calls and video calls on WhatsApp Web are end-to-end encrypted. On Zoom E2EE encryption is optionaljust like in Google Meet. In the latter, end-to-end encryption in calls It is only available for private users.
They have several advantages over platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet, although WhatsApp Web is only aimed at individuals. This does not mean that companies cannot use their WhatsApp on the computer, but it does not have functions as advanced as those offered by video calling platforms. Such as recording the video conference, transcription with AI, being able to have the entire staff on the call (up to 100 people in free accounts) or subtitles.
How to use calls on WhatsApp Web. The function has arrived stably in the applicationalthough it is still expanding to all users: it probably won’t appear yet. The first thing is to have WhatsApp updated on your mobile, after having linked it with the web browser.
The process to use the new features in the browser is:
- Open any of your conversations on WhatsApp Web.
- If you already have active calls, you will see the camera icon and the phone icon appear at the top right. In the case of groups, only the camera group appears (it is a drop-down menu).
- Click on what you want to use (call or video call) and communication will be activated.
- You can also create an advance call: click on the corresponding icon and select “Send call link”.
- You can also start a call or video call and then add the contacts you want: click on the phone icon in the menu on the left and select “Start a call.” You can then choose whether you need voice only or voice and video.
Cover image | Ivan Linares
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