WhatsApp is more than just a text chat service. For as long as I can remember, you have been able to use it for voice and video calls. WhatsApp has even boosted its video chat capabilities during these happy pandemic times, and now allows you to talk to up to 50 people simultaneously. But you still have to do it through the mobile app, which isn’t nearly as useful as being able to do the same things on a desktop app.
I’ve seen reports that WhatsApp is finally testing voice and video chat calls for the web and desktop version of its service. It is now rolling out the feature to different users, meaning you may not have a chance to play with it just yet. Still, the convenience is worth a try; I would much rather just start a webcam to chat with my friends than clumsily hold a phone for an hour or lean it against some random thing on my desk.
Make sure you have signed up for to get started the WhatsApp beta on Android. Install the most recent version of the app provided by the Google Play Store, then boot your laptop or desktop PC. Download the WhatsApp Desktop app as you are now more likely to get the feature there than in the web version.
You have to open WhatsApp on your phone to scan a QR code on WhatsApp Desktop, and that’s how the two pair up. Then if you are lucky you should see it new icons for video and voice chats within all your existing conversations in the desktop version. You can’t miss them if you have access, as each icon in the top right corner says “beta”.
I unfortunately lost the WhatsApp lottery as I just get the default conversation screen (on desktop and web – I checked both, just in case). I have circled where the icons are would appear, for those lucky enough to have the feature:
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My game plan is to check back every few days to see if I’m lucky enough to receive the rollout. If WhatsApp flips this switch for everyone in the near future, I will definitely be back.