WhatsApp announced the guest calling feature on October 14. The new feature allows people who do not have a WhatsApp account to join a voice or video call by opening a link in their computer browser. Expanding search support on WhatsApp Web, the company this time removes the need for the invited person to open an account. However, a WhatsApp account is still required to create the call connection, and guests’ entry into the call depends on the organizer’s approval.
The user who wants to start the conversation taps the plus icon on the Calls tab in the application and creates a connection. In addition, the invited person opens the link in the computer browser and writes his name, then remains in the waiting room until the organizer accepts. In addition to one-on-one calls, the system also supports group calls with up to 32 participants.
Guests cannot see the phone numbers of other participants, and they do not have the ability to send messages from within the call or add new people directly to the call. The organizer can remove guests from the call at any time, so having the connection alone does not give unlimited participation and management rights.
Additionally, guests can share their computer screens, react with thumbs and heart icons, and raise their hands to ask for a word. WhatsApp offers calls for free, end-to-end encrypted and without time limits, but free calling does not mean that the internet connection is free. Mobile data or internet service charges may also apply.
WhatsApp is moving calendar links to later in the year
The company is also preparing support for creating WhatsApp calls from Google and Outlook calendars. Additionally, in these integrations, it will be possible to add a search link to the invitation via the plugin and account link. However, WhatsApp does not say that it has completed calendar support at the same time as today’s guest call. WhatsApp plans to roll this out later in the year, without announcing a specific day.
Call updates in July brought voice and video calling from the browser, call transfer between devices, and a waiting room. In addition, there were improvements such as noise suppression and switching to high-resolution images in the first moments of the call. Guest search adds non-account guests to this browser experience.
Not everyone in a meeting may use the same messaging application, and the new feature does not require the invited person to create an account separately. On the other hand, the account of the meeting organizer, participation confirmation and call management remain important. Therefore, the convenience provided by the change lies not in making the WhatsApp account completely unnecessary, but in shortening the access of the invitees to the meeting.