WhatsApp has introduced a ‘guest calling’ feature for its users. This makes it easy to include individuals who do not have a WhatsApp account in audio and video calls. Users can generate a call link and share it with others. Notably, these guest calls also feature end-to-end encryption.
According to the company, these calls are free and have no time limit. The feature supports both individual and group calls, with a maximum capacity of 32 participants, including guests.
How To Create A Call Link?
To initiate a guest call, a user with a WhatsApp account needs to navigate to the ‘Calls’ tab within the app. From there, they can generate a call link by tapping the ‘+’ icon. This link can be shared with anyone you wish to include in the call.
Once they receive the link, guests can open it in their computer’s web browser. They will then need to enter their name and submit a request to join the call. Please note that the ability to create a call link is available only to users who have a WhatsApp account.
Host Approval Is Required To Join The Call.
WhatsApp has established specific rules for guests joining a call. After opening the link, guests cannot immediately begin participating in the conversation; they must first wait in a “waiting room.” They will only be able to join the call once the host grants approval.
The host also has the authority to remove a guest from the call at any time. Furthermore, guests cannot view the phone numbers of other participants, send them messages, or add other individuals to the call on their own. Features like screen sharing and emojis will also be available
Once a guest joins a call, they will have access to several additional features. These include sharing their computer screen, sending emojis such as a ‘thumbs-up’ or a heart and using the ‘raise hand’ option to indicate a desire to speak.
These features can be utilized during online classes, office meetings, collaborative work, and group discussions. This also makes it easier to include individuals in a meeting who do not use WhatsApp.
Call Links Will Also Integrate With Google Calendar And Outlook
According to WhatsApp, the company plans to introduce calendar integration by the end of this year. Through this, users will be able to generate call links directly from Google Calendar or Outlook by installing the relevant WhatsApp plugin and connecting their accounts.
Individuals invited via a calendar event will be able to join the call, even if they do not have a WhatsApp account. This can make scheduling meetings and inviting others easier than before.
Changes Have Been Made To Calling Features In The Past As Well.
WhatsApp has previously introduced several calling-related features. These include the ability to make audio and video calls directly through a browser via WhatsApp Web, eliminating the need to download a separate desktop application on your computer.
Additionally, the company has provided an option to transfer an ongoing group call from one device to another without ending the call. Other features introduced include a ‘waiting room’ (to seek approval before joining a call), ‘QuickHD’ for improved video quality, and ‘noise suppression’ to reduce background noise.
