WhatsApp is the most used messaging platform in the world. Thanks to it, it is possible to be connected at all times with any friend or acquaintance, wherever they are. In addition to being able to send and receive messages, this platform allows us to make voice calls and video calls from our smartphone so that we can feel even closer to our loved ones. However, these video calls could only be made from the Android or iOS apps, being impossible to do from the computer. Until now.
Christmas is coming shortly, and given the situation we are experiencing around the world, voice calls and video calls are going to be very present among us on these dates. We all always have our mobile phone at hand to be able to make these types of calls, however, we cannot deny that it is much more convenient to make them from the computer.
Thanks to WhatsApp Web and Desktop it is possible to use the messaging client from any computer; Web runs from any browser, while Desktop is a native client for Windows 10 that we can install as one more program. Both options depend, yes, on the mobile client, but they give us much more freedom when sending and receiving messages.
Until now, calls and video calls were not available from Windows clients. However, given the dates we are approaching, the Facebook-owned company has accelerated its development and availability. And, starting today, it is possible to use WhatsApp Web and Desktop to make voice and video calls from the PC.
Calls and video calls come to WhatsApp on PC
Still in beta , a small group of random users have started receiving these two new features in both the Web versions of the client and the Desktop versions. These two new functions are in the upper bar of the chat, one with a symbol of a phone, and the other in the shape of a camera.
When we make or receive a call, it will appear in a floating window , from which we can answer or hang up. If we answer, the current call will also appear in a floating window from which we can control it.
Of course, if we use WhatsApp Web , it is necessary to give permission to the browser so that said website can have access to the microphone and the camera, since, otherwise, it will not work. If we use WhatsApp Desktop we will not have to worry about this.
At the moment, this feature is only available to a few random users. However, it will be enabled exponentially in the coming days until it is available to everyone. Therefore, if this function still does not appear, you do not have to worry, just wait.
We expect an independent client in 2021
Every time, the versions of WhatsApp for PC are more complete. Right now we can almost do the same from the browser, or from your client, than from the mobile. However, unlike its rivals, it still depends on the mobile to work.
Due to the limitations of the protocols of this messaging platform, it is not possible to have an independent client as, for example, Telegram has . The clients that exist right now are, broadly speaking, remote control software for the mobile app. Without it, it is not possible to send or receive messages.
Facebook is working on improving the protocol to enable functions such as multisession. We hope that throughout 2021 we will also see more surprises and, finally, we can have an independent client that allows us to use WhatsApp without the need for a mobile phone .