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WhatsApp’s new Call Links feature and early experiments with encrypted video calling
WhatsApp inc to debut call link feature and encrypted video calls
Keynotes
- WhatsApp’s is Launching a new Feature “Call Links”
- The social app is also experiments with encrypted video calling feature.
- Encrypted video calling feature is still in it’s early phase
WhatsApp just announced that the previously leaked Call Links feature will be rolling out to users this week. Call Links does exactly what its name implies, letting users invite others to join calls via a simple link.
The recipient of the link must also have WhatsApp installed on their device in order to participate in the call. The good news is that tapping the link received is all that’s needed to join a call now.
You won’t just be able to send a call link to people in your phonebook, but to anyone on WhatsApp as well. Audio and video calls can be made using links that are included in invitations or sent in a chat. This comes in handy when setting up a conference call with a group of people, some of whom may not be in your address book. Everyone who is also using WhatsApp will automatically get your invitations and can hop on the call if they like.
This week, WhatsApp’s new Call Links feature will be made available to all users, everywhere, on both Android and iOS. Don’t worry if it hasn’t shown up on your phone just yet; just give it a few more days.
It’s not clear how WhatsApp intends to safeguard video calls from fraudsters who obtain call links, so it’s best to verify the recipient’s identity before initiating a call.
Mark Zuckerberg of Meta also shared that WhatsApp has begun testing encrypted video calls for up to 32 people. That’s about all we know at the moment, though we have assurances that more details will be forthcoming.
WhatsApp now allows users to share links to upcoming calls, making it easier for others to join, but the company has yet to deliver on its promise to improve security for video calls.
