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Report: WhatsApp is rolling out audio/video calls to desktop users (Updated)
- WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out audio and video calls to the desktop app.
- This is currently part of a limited trial.
- A full rollout will take place in 2021.
Update: December 21, 2020 (12:05 AM ET): Facebook is bringing full audio and video call support to WhatsApp’s desktop versions in the new year, a company spokesperson confirmed to Reuters. Currently, the feature is available to some users as part of a limited trial.
Original article: December 17, 2020 (1:20 AM ET): WhatsApp added audio and video calls to the service in 2015 and 2016 respectively, quickly gaining traction as one of the most popular calling platforms. Unfortunately, these calls were limited to the mobile app only.
Thankfully, WABetaInfo reports that audio and video calls are now rolling out to the WhatsApp Desktop app. Unfortunately, this seems to be a very limited launch for now, with the buttons also getting beta labels according to the tipster.
Nevertheless, people who have received the feature should be able to see the buttons in the chat header, next to the search icon. Check out an early image of the feature below.
You’ll still need your phone to be connected to the desktop app as you’d expect, but presumably incoming and outgoing audio or video will be routed via your computer. Hopefully you’ll be able to make use of third-party microphones and cameras as well.
Have you received audio and video call functionality on WhatsApp Desktop? Then let us know in the comments below! Otherwise, you might have to wait a few weeks if you haven’t received it just yet.
Next: 8 new features WhatsApp should add from other messaging apps