WhatsApp is more than just a text chat service—you’ve been able to use it to make voice and video calls for as long as I can remember. In fact, WhatsApp has even bolstered its video chat capabilities during amid these cheery pandemic times, and now allows you to converse with up to 50 people at a time. But you still have to do it via 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-based version of its service. It’s rolling out the feature to various users now, which means you might not have the chance to play with it yet. Still, the convenience is worth a try; I’d much rather be able to just fire up a webcam to chat with my friends than awkwardly hold a phone for an hour or prop it up against some random thing on my desk.
To get started, make sure you’ve signed up for the WhatsApp beta on Android. Install the most current version of the app offered by the Google Play store, then fire up your laptop or desktop PC. Download the WhatsApp Desktop app, since right now you’re more likely to get the feature there than on the web-based version.
You’ll have to open WhatsApp on your phone to scan a QR code on WhatsApp Desktop, which is how the two link up. Then, if you’re lucky, you should see new icons for video and voice chats within any of your existing conversations in the desktop version. You can’t miss them if you have access, as each icon will say “beta” in the upper-right corner.
I, unfortunately, have lost the WhatsApp lottery, as I just get the default conversation screen (on desktop and web—I checked both, just in case). I’ve circled where the icons would appear, for those lucky enough to have the feature:
My game plan is to check back every few days to see if I’m lucky enough to receive the rollout. If WhatsApp happens to flip this switch for everyone at some point in the near future, I’ll definitely report back.
Audible announced an all-new pricing structure that will be rolling out to all existing and new subscribers this week. Instead of Audible Gold and Pla
Google Home version 2.27 adds a bunch of new features to the app, including new in-app controls for Nest home security products on iOS and Android and
A mysterious bug built into an updated version of Android’s Carrier Services app has messed with Android users’ ability to send and receive text messa
As theaters remain closed or operating at a limited capacity, the ongoing pandemic has forced entertainment giants from Warner Bros. to Disney to radi
You would think, given its recent $6 billion valuation, Reddit would have the confidence to get rid of the pop-up the site serves up whenever you try
Apple has patched a peculiar issue with macOS Big Sur that previously allowed people to install the OS update even if they didn’t have enough space fo
Are you tired of having to use boring touch controls to interact with your phone? After all, that’s the way things have been done on almost every smar
One of the many hierarchies of Instagram has been the link-in-stories feature. You only got access to it if you had more than 10,000 followers, or if
We are a comprehensive and trusted information platform dedicated to delivering high-quality content across a wide range of topics, including society, technology, business, health, culture, and entertainment.
From breaking news to in-depth reports, we adhere to the principles of accuracy and diverse perspectives, helping readers find clarity and reliability in today’s fast-paced information landscape.
Our goal is to be a dependable source of knowledge for every reader—making information not only accessible but truly trustworthy. Looking ahead, we will continue to enhance our content and services, connecting the world and delivering value.
