WhatsApp brings voice and video calls to your browser

WhatsApp is finally addressing one of the most significant limitations of its web-based platform by introducing native support for voice and video calls. For years, the WhatsApp Web experience has been strictly confined to text messaging and file sharing, forcing users to reach for their smartphones or switch to the dedicated desktop application whenever they needed to hop on a call. This upcoming update, currently in development and spotted in beta versions, signals a major shift in how the messaging giant views its browser-based client.

The core of this evolution lies in the seamless integration of communication tools that users have long enjoyed on mobile. By adding familiar camera and phone icons directly into the chat interface of the web client, Meta is effectively turning any browser window into a full-fledged communication hub. This means that whether you are using Chrome, Safari, or Edge, you will soon be able to initiate and receive calls without the need to install any additional software. It is a move toward platform parity that acknowledges the modern reality of hybrid work, where users often spend hours in front of a computer and prefer not to juggle multiple devices.

Functionality-wise, the update is designed to mirror the comprehensive experience found on the mobile app. Reports indicate that WhatsApp is not just focusing on one-on-one conversations but is also building robust support for group calls within the web interface. Users will likely have the ability to create shareable call links, manage participants, and toggle between audio and video before entering a session. While the initial release might feature a lower participant cap than the 32-person limit seen on mobile, the trajectory is clear: WhatsApp Web is being transformed from a secondary companion tool into a primary communication portal.

From a practical perspective, this update is a game-changer for professionals and students alike. Many workplace computers have strict security protocols that prevent the installation of standalone desktop applications. By bringing calling features to the browser, WhatsApp is bypassing these hurdles, allowing users to stay connected in environments where they were previously restricted. Additionally, the feature simplifies the transition between different workstations; as long as you can log into your account via a QR code, you have immediate access to your entire suite of communication tools.

The technical implementation also focuses on user convenience. Once a user grants the necessary microphone and camera permissions to their browser of choice, the setting is typically remembered, making future calls a one-click affair. There is also evidence that WhatsApp is working on a dedicated calls tab and a revamped notification system for incoming alerts on the web, ensuring that users don't miss important conversations while focused on other browser tabs.

This development follows a series of updates aimed at making WhatsApp more versatile across multiple "companion devices." Previously, the platform's multi-device feature allowed users to message from their computers even when their phones were offline. Adding voice and video calls is the logical next step in that progression. It reinforces the idea that your WhatsApp account is no longer tied to a single piece of hardware but is instead a portable identity that follows you across any screen.

While an official global rollout date has not been set, the presence of these features in beta builds suggests that a public release is on the horizon. For the millions of users who rely on WhatsApp for both personal and professional coordination, the ability to ditch the smartphone and handle everything through a single browser tab represents more than just a minor update—it is the closing of a long-standing gap in the platform's utility