WhatsApp just got a killer upgrade — and you can try it right now

WhatsApp just got a killer upgrade — and you can endeavour information technology right now

WhatsApp desktop video and voice calling

(Image credit: WhatsApp)

WhatsApp has added fully encrypted video and phonation calling to its desktop app, only it will but work in private chats for now.

The Facebook-owned conversation app has long supported video and vocalism calls on its mobile apps for iOS and Android, but these features oasis't been available on a desktop or laptop. That's left it lagging behind the likes of Zoom and Google Run into — a particular trouble during the coronavirus pandemic, when far more people take been staying in touch virtually.

Looking for something new? Try ane of the best WhatsApp alternatives
Zoom vs. Google Hangouts: Which video service is right for you?
Plus: Zoom fatigue is real — endeavor these iv tips to fight it

The feature was trialled in a beta version of the desktop app late last yr and has at present been rolled out for all users.

Only while it's a welcome add-on to the app, it'south merely available in individual chats, meaning that your regular weekly family catch-upwardly won't be moving to WhatsApp desktop just even so.

Nor is it available in WhatsApp Web, the browser-based version of the service — that'southward still limited to text chats or recorded vocalisation and video letters.

Withal, WhatsApp says it will be expanding the feature to include group video and vox calls in the future. And that's essential if it is to take on the best video chat apps such as Zoom, Skype and Apple FaceTime.

On the plus side, the desktop style does work well.

To attempt it out, you simply download the Mac or Windows version of the desktop app.

Click on any individual chat and you lot'll now see the familiar video and telephone telephone call symbols at the meridian-right of the window. Click on one and you'll exist instantly connected to your contact.

WhatsApp video calling on desktop — (Image credit: Time to come)

The feature works in both portrait and landscape orientation, so as with our test phone call, y'all tin can connect with someone who's using it on mobile even if you're on the desktop app. It also appears in a resizable standalone window and is fix to exist ever on superlative.

The big-screen view definitely improves the WhatsApp video-calling experience, making it easier to see what's going on and freeing up your hands to write, type or make silly gestures as you adopt.

So all in all, it's a good feature to have added. But nosotros do hope it will exist rolled out to group chats very shortly.

More: How to switch from WhatsApp to Signal

As U.Thousand. Editor in Primary on Tom's Guide, Marc is responsible for the site'south U.K.-focused output likewise equally overseeing all gaming, streaming, sound, TV, amusement, how-to and cameras coverage. He previously edited the tech website Stuff and has tested and written about phones, tablets, wearables, streaming boxes, smart domicile devices, Bluetooth speakers, games and much more. He also spent years on a music magazine, where his duties mainly involved spoiling other people's fun, and on a car magazine. An avid photographer, Marc likes nothing amend than taking pictures of very small-scale things (bugs, his daughters) or very large things (distant galaxies). When he gets time, he also enjoys gaming (console and mobile), cycling and attempting to scout as much sport every bit whatsoever human being can (particularly cricket).