WhatsApp is finally bringing end-to-end encrypted video and audio calls to Mac and PC via its desktop app. This has been a long-requested feature as video and audio calls have been relegated to only iOS and Android devices thus far.
Users will now be able to host video can audio calls directly through the WhatsApp desktop app on Mac and PC, as reported by 9to5Mac. The initial rollout of this feature begins today. Though, for the time being, it will only support one-on-one calls. According to the report, the surge in remote work and isolation stirred the Facebook-owned company to work towards supporting video and audio calls through a desktop.
For video calls, the WhatsApp desktop feature will support both landscape and portrait orientation, similar to the mobile experience. Additionally, there is an option to lock the window on top of other pages and screens. Similar to other apps and services, users will be able to toggle their video on or off as well as mute their microphone during a call.
To make desktop calling more useful, we made sure it works seamlessly for both portrait and landscape orientation, appears in a resizable standalone window on your computer screen, and is set to be always on top so you never lose your video chats in a browser tab or stack of open windows.
WhatsApp ensures that all calls on desktop and on mobile devices feature end-to-end encryption. WhatsApp Desktop also features additional security measures in that it requires the user to scan a QR code on their mobile phone prior to securing a connection to the PC or Mac.
In order to begin using the video and audio calling feature through a desktop, ensure that your device is running the latest version of WhatApp.
