WhatsApp’s desktop app for Mac and PC is getting voice and video calling today, the company announced, offering end-to-end encrypted calls to other WhatsApp users on both computers and mobile devices.
Voice and video calling isn’t a new idea for WhatsApp: the mobile apps for Android and iOS already offer the feature, and WhatsApp started to roll out the desktop calling feature to a small group of users at the end of last year.
But today’s launch means that the feature is now available to all WhatsApp users on desktop, making calling a more ubiquitous feature across all WhatsApp devices.
And like the existing video calling feature, the new desktop calling promises the same end-to-end encryption — meaning that WhatsApp and Facebook can’t see or hear your calls.
The biggest missing feature is that, at least to start, the desktop app will only support one-to-one calling, not group calls.
WhatsApp does promise that it’ll be expanding to include support for group voice and video calls down the line, although it hasn’t said when that will be.
To use the new video calling feature, you’ll have to set up the WhatsApp desktop app on either Mac or PC, which requires that you already be a WhatsApp user on mobile.
Once you’ve installed the app on your computer, users will then scan a QR code to log in on the desktop app, after which they’ll be able to use the desktop version of WhatsApp with their usual account.
Latest Stories
-
AFCON 2025Q: Jordan Ayew leads the line, debut for Razak Simpson as Otto Addo names lineup for Angola clash
5 mins -
2 in critical condition as immigration officers clash with Shia residents in V/R
9 mins -
Tyson slaps Jake Paul during weigh-in
26 mins -
Atebubuman Education Secretariat launches radio-based classes to improve BECE success rate
30 mins -
Don’t go on strike, let’s negotiate – NLC to TEWU
41 mins -
KNUST’s Prof Antwi-Agyei appointed to UN panel of experts for Resilient Food Systems Report
42 mins -
Bawumia’s promise for free dialysis treatment empty campaign gimmick – Mintah Akandoh
60 mins -
Former Asante Kotoko coach Michael Osei passes on at 53
1 hour -
Over 3,600 people from 80 countries gather for Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ Homecoming Conference
2 hours -
Ghana’s death by galamsey: Who will bell the cat?
2 hours -
Oheneba Adusei Poku
2 hours -
Outgoing Effia MP Joseph Cudjoe supports NPP campaign to retain seat
2 hours -
Enimil Ashon: 2016/2020 promises; Gabby vrs McDan
2 hours -
Education Ministry complicit in expired rice distribution to SHS – Ablakwa
2 hours -
100 years after exile: Seychelles honours Asantehene Prempeh I
2 hours