WhatsApp web gets calling support, CEO Kunal Shah sends Chrome users a message
WhatsApp has announced browser-based voice and video calling on WhatsApp Web without requiring the desktop app. The update also introduces a new call transfer feature for seamless switching between devices.
WhatsApp has announced a major update for its calling experience. Now, users can make and receive voice and video calls directly from a web browser. CEO Kunal Shah made the announcement on X, taking a subtle dig at Chrome users who like to work with multiple tabs open. "WhatsApp calls now work in your browser. Your 47 open Chrome tabs finally got company that's actually useful," Shah wrote on X sharing a screenshot where he appears to be on a WhatsApp call with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Alongside the calling support on web, WhatsApp has also introduced a new call transfer feature that lets users move an ongoing group call between devices without disconnecting. The latest update is designed to make WhatsApp calling more flexible across phones, desktops and browsers.
Earlier, if a user wanted to make a WhatsApp call on a desktop, a dedicated WhatsApp desktop app was necessary. Now, according to WhatsApp, users can place and receive both one-on-one and group audio or video calls directly from WhatsApp Web, without downloading the desktop app. The company said the feature is aimed at users who rely on shared computers, work laptops that restrict app installations, or those who simply prefer using a browser.
WhatsApp Web gets browser-based calling
With the new update, WhatsApp Web now supports voice and video calls with the same end-to-end encryption available on the mobile and desktop apps. The company says users will also get access to several familiar calling features, including screen sharing, emoji reactions, a dedicated Calls tab, complete call history, and favourite contacts directly from the browser.
WhatsApp added that browser-based calls come with no time limits and no additional cost, while maintaining the same privacy protections as calls made from other supported devices.
WhatsApp introduces call transfer between devices
Alongside browser calling, WhatsApp has also rolled out a new Call Transfer feature. It allows users to shift an active group call from one device to another without hanging up.
For example, you can start a group call on your smartphone while travelling and once you reach home or your room, you can transfer it to WhatsApp Web or the desktop app for a larger-screen experience. The transfer also works in the opposite direction, allowing users to switch back to a mobile device if needed.
The new features are rolling out for everyone and are expected to be available to users over the coming days. They further expand WhatsApp's calling ecosystem, making it easier to stay connected across multiple devices without interrupting conversations.
WhatsApp has announced a major update for its calling experience. Now, users can make and receive voice and video calls directly from a web browser. CEO Kunal Shah made the announcement on X, taking a subtle dig at Chrome users who like to work with multiple tabs open. "WhatsApp calls now work in your browser. Your 47 open Chrome tabs finally got company that's actually useful," Shah wrote on X sharing a screenshot where he appears to be on a WhatsApp call with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Alongside the calling support on web, WhatsApp has also introduced a new call transfer feature that lets users move an ongoing group call between devices without disconnecting. The latest update is designed to make WhatsApp calling more flexible across phones, desktops and browsers.
Earlier, if a user wanted to make a WhatsApp call on a desktop, a dedicated WhatsApp desktop app was necessary. Now, according to WhatsApp, users can place and receive both one-on-one and group audio or video calls directly from WhatsApp Web, without downloading the desktop app. The company said the feature is aimed at users who rely on shared computers, work laptops that restrict app installations, or those who simply prefer using a browser.
WhatsApp Web gets browser-based calling
With the new update, WhatsApp Web now supports voice and video calls with the same end-to-end encryption available on the mobile and desktop apps. The company says users will also get access to several familiar calling features, including screen sharing, emoji reactions, a dedicated Calls tab, complete call history, and favourite contacts directly from the browser.
WhatsApp added that browser-based calls come with no time limits and no additional cost, while maintaining the same privacy protections as calls made from other supported devices.
WhatsApp introduces call transfer between devices
Alongside browser calling, WhatsApp has also rolled out a new Call Transfer feature. It allows users to shift an active group call from one device to another without hanging up.
For example, you can start a group call on your smartphone while travelling and once you reach home or your room, you can transfer it to WhatsApp Web or the desktop app for a larger-screen experience. The transfer also works in the opposite direction, allowing users to switch back to a mobile device if needed.
The new features are rolling out for everyone and are expected to be available to users over the coming days. They further expand WhatsApp's calling ecosystem, making it easier to stay connected across multiple devices without interrupting conversations.
WhatsApp has announced a major update for its calling experience. Now, users can make and receive voice and video calls directly from a web browser. CEO Kunal Shah made the announcement on X, taking a subtle dig at Chrome users who like to work with multiple tabs open. "WhatsApp calls now work in your browser. Your 47 open Chrome tabs finally got company that's actually useful," Shah wrote on X sharing a screenshot where he appears to be on a WhatsApp call with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Alongside the calling support on web, WhatsApp has also introduced a new call transfer feature that lets users move an ongoing group call between devices without disconnecting. The latest update is designed to make WhatsApp calling more flexible across phones, desktops and browsers.
Earlier, if a user wanted to make a WhatsApp call on a desktop, a dedicated WhatsApp desktop app was necessary. Now, according to WhatsApp, users can place and receive both one-on-one and group audio or video calls directly from WhatsApp Web, without downloading the desktop app. The company said the feature is aimed at users who rely on shared computers, work laptops that restrict app installations, or those who simply prefer using a browser.
WhatsApp Web gets browser-based calling
With the new update, WhatsApp Web now supports voice and video calls with the same end-to-end encryption available on the mobile and desktop apps. The company says users will also get access to several familiar calling features, including screen sharing, emoji reactions, a dedicated Calls tab, complete call history, and favourite contacts directly from the browser.
WhatsApp added that browser-based calls come with no time limits and no additional cost, while maintaining the same privacy protections as calls made from other supported devices.
WhatsApp introduces call transfer between devices
Alongside browser calling, WhatsApp has also rolled out a new Call Transfer feature. It allows users to shift an active group call from one device to another without hanging up.
For example, you can start a group call on your smartphone while travelling and once you reach home or your room, you can transfer it to WhatsApp Web or the desktop app for a larger-screen experience. The transfer also works in the opposite direction, allowing users to switch back to a mobile device if needed.
The new features are rolling out for everyone and are expected to be available to users over the coming days. They further expand WhatsApp's calling ecosystem, making it easier to stay connected across multiple devices without interrupting conversations.
