WhatsApp seems to be working on bringing voice and video calls on its web version, according to a new report. The feature was allegedly found in a recent update to the web client that comes with version 2.2043.7. The feature is currently in beta, which suggests that the company is testing it out before it releases it to the public. WhatsApp voice and video calls are already available on Android and iOS apps and it looks like the desktop/ web client will also be brought up to speed.
According to a report by WhatsApp tipster WABetaInfo, the ability for users to conduct voice and video chat beyond the phone app is currently in development.
Screenshots of a future WhatsApp web build suggest a pop-up will be displayed with the option to decline or accept pending calls. It’s unclear if pending video calls will preview the users’ video feeds like the phone app. An in-call pop-up could also be offered, allowing callers to mute an ongoing call or switch from voice to video.
Group voice and video calls are also supported but will likely have to adhere to the eight-person limit set across WhatsApp.
The report also states that the update contains support for group voice and video calls as well. However, this feature was not available to test and will be added to the web/ desktop client soon.
Support for voice and video calls will make things more seamless as users will not have to switch back and forth between their work desktop or laptop and their phone. Messaging support is already available on the WhatsApp Web and support for calls will make the experience more cohesive.
As of now, WhatsApp, or parent company Facebook, has not shared any information on this new feature or when it will be released to the public. However, since it is said to be included in beta in the latest update, the official stable release may be coming soon.
Mean-while, India today reported a single-day rise of 46,790 in new covid cases, the lowest single-day tally in nearly three months. The total caseload increased to 75.97 lakh while the death toll rose to 1.15 lakh. The number of active cases dipped below 7.5 lakh as recoveries continued to outpace the rise in daily new cases. In the past 24 hours, 69,720 patients were declared cured of covid, taking the total recoveries to 67.33 lakh.
The national recovery rate has gone up to 88.63% while the case fatality rate due COVID-19 stands at 1.52%.
In 24 hours, 587 covid-related deaths were reported. So far, 9.61 crore covid tests have been done in India with 10.32 lakh on Monday.
There are 7,48,538, active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 9.85% of the total caseload, the data stated.