After break record in video calls via smartphone at the turn of the year, WhatsApp started working in a way to transfer the resource to the computer as well. This Thursday, the project became a reality, and the news was announced on the official page of the app. “We are pleased to announce that voice and video calls for one-on-one conversations are now available on the WhatsApp desktop app, with security and privacy for everyone,” the text reads.
To avoid any new controversy involving user safety, WhatsApp made a point of emphasizing in the statement that voice or video calls “are protected with end-to-end encryption”. According to the developers, this means that “WhatsApp cannot read or listen to calls made on your mobile phone or computer”.
The developers of the new feature also reported that the windows opened in video chats work in both landscape and portrait mode and “can be sized according to your preference.” They are configured to always be in the foreground in relation to other apps, so that the user does not run the risk of missing any calls.
Step by step
On another page of the official website, WhatsApp taught step by step for users to start using the audio and video calling feature on their computer. And he clarified that, for this, the first point is precisely download and install the WhatsApp app for Windows or Mac. Please note: the WhatsApp Web version, which opens directly in the browser, does not have calling features.
WhatsApp calls for computers are compatible with Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1903 and later, as well as macOS 10.13 or later. After downloading the app, the user must log in to WhatsApp on their smartphone and scan the QR Code. When opening a conversation with any contact, they must click on the voice or video call icon to use the feature.
Before that, however, there are a few things you need to take into account: having a camera, speakers and microphone on your computer, allowing access to all three, and keeping your smartphone and computer connected to the internet. That's it: now you can test and enjoy WhatsApp video calls on your computer. Oh, and group calls still aren't working.
