Technology
WhatsApp adds guest calling for up to 32 people
Business Standard··2d ago
WhatsApp will let people without accounts join audio and video calls through a browser link shared by a host. Calls stay free and end-to-end encrypted, with no time limit, the company said. Groups can include up to 32 participants. Guests enter a waiting room until the host admits them and cannot see phone numbers or send messages.
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What It Means For You
- You can put relatives or clients on a WhatsApp call even if they never install the app.
- Only account holders can create and share the join link from the Calls tab.
- Guests can share a computer screen, react and raise a hand, but cannot add others.
What's Happening
- Hosts open the Calls tab, tap plus, create a link and share it with invitees.
- Guests open the link in a computer browser, enter a name and request to join.
- WhatsApp also plans Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook plugins later this year.
How This Fits WhatsApp Calling
- Until now, participants generally needed a WhatsApp account to join calls on the service.
- The link-based model mirrors tools such as Google Meet and Zoom for non-account guests.
- Calendar integration would embed the same call link inside meeting invitations.
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