The covid-19 pandemic and social distancing have caused voice and video calls made via WhatsApp to explode. Just at the turn of the year from 2020 to 2021, the application recorded a record 1.4 billion calls made in a single day.
With this in mind, starting this Thursday (4) WhatsApp will allow users to make voice and video calls through the computer, using the application for Windows and Mac. The new feature is being released gradually and should reach everyone in the next weeks.
Just like on smartphones, voice and video calls on WhatsApp Desktop are protected with end-to-end encryption, preventing WhatsApp from seeing and listening.
The feature is currently only available for individual conversations on the WhatsApp Desktop desktop app (Windows and macOS). WhatsApp states that the decision is made to ensure a reliable and high-quality connection experience.
In the future, the service will also be extended to WhatsApp group conversations, which currently support up to eight (8) people at the same time.
The video calling window on WhatsApp Desktop works in landscape and portrait modes (when the other person is on their cell phone), can be resized and is configured to always be in the foreground in relation to the other windows on the screen.
It is important to note that, although voice and video calling tests have appeared on WhatsApp Web, the announcement concerns WhatsApp Desktop, for Windows and Mac.
“WhatsApp is currently focused on launching desktop calling. For now, the function will only be available in the desktop version”, says a spokesperson.
Regarding when the calls will reach WhatsApp Web, the messenger says that “this is a rumor and WhatsApp does not comment on rumors”. Therefore, all that remains is to download the app.
Gradual but accelerated rollout
Haven't received it yet? The rollout will be gradual, but at an accelerated pace, for WhatsApp users around the world. Just update the application on your computer.
Also according to WhatsApp, there was a significant increase in the number of calls (often for long calls). On New Year's Eve 2021, the application reached a record of 1.4 billion voice and video calls in a single day.
With the news, a new record must be on the horizon.