It appears that WhatsApp is preparing to bring video and audio call functionality to its desktop and web client. According to WABetaInfo, the feature has been in the works for two years and is finally entering beta stages for a small number of users.
The site says that those using the desktop and web version of the private messaging platform have reported seeing the inclusion of the video and audio call functions in the chat header, along with a beta tag beside each one. However, since WABetaInfo did not get the chance to try the current version of these functions themselves, details regarding how the two work remain scarce.
One thing for certain, a constant connection between the desktop/web version with the user’s phone is necessary in order to initiate or receive either calls. Whether the conversations will require a webcam and microphone present on a user’s PC or laptop, or is dependent on their smartphone is not known.
WABetaInfo believes that the interface and functions for both features on desktop/web will be similar to an earlier version that they have tested in 2019. It reported that WhatsApp will launch a separate window when receiving calls, prompting the user to accept or decline the incoming call. On the other hand, the site added that the desktop/web client will open up another type of window when you initiate a call to another user.
As mentioned earlier, the new feature is currently available to only a select number of users for beta testing. Chances are, it may still take some time before WhatsApp is ready to roll out the new video and audio call functions to its desktop and web clients.
(Source / Images: WABetaInfo)
