WhatsApp brings new feature for Windows

WhatsApp is a widely used messaging application that allows users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share multimedia content. With over 2 billion active users worldwide, WhatsApp is one of the most popular communication platforms available. The application is available on both iOS and Android devices, as well as desktop computers using the WhatsApp Web feature. Recently, WhatsApp has introduced a new feature specifically for its Windows desktop application, which has garnered a lot of attention from users. In this article, we will explore this new feature in detail and its potential benefits for users.

Overview of WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a messaging application that was founded in 2009 by two former Yahoo employees, Jan Koum and Brian Acton. It was acquired by Facebook in 2014 and has since grown to become one of the most popular messaging apps in the world. WhatsApp’s popularity can be attributed to its user-friendly interface, end-to-end encryption, and the fact that it is available on both mobile devices and desktop computers.

With WhatsApp, users can send text messages, make voice and video calls, share photos, videos, and documents, create groups, and even make payments in certain regions. The application uses a user’s phone number to create an account, and users can connect with their contacts who also use the app. WhatsApp has become an essential communication tool for individuals, families, and businesses, with its ease of use and widespread availability making it a convenient and reliable platform for staying in touch.

Introduction of new feature

WhatsApp has introduced a new feature for its Windows desktop application called “Joinable Calls”. This new feature allows users to join group calls that are already in progress, even if they initially missed the call or were not invited. Joinable Calls is an extension of the existing group call feature on WhatsApp, which allows up to eight people to participate in a voice or video call at the same time.

With Joinable Calls, users can now join an ongoing group call by clicking on the green “Join” button that appears next to the call in their chat list. If a call is full, users can still join the call as an audio-only participant, and they can choose to turn on their video later if a spot becomes available. The feature is available on the latest version of the WhatsApp desktop application for Windows.

Joinable Calls is a significant addition to the group calling feature on WhatsApp, as it allows for greater flexibility and convenience for users. Previously, users would need to be invited to a call or initiate the call themselves to participate. With Joinable Calls, users can now join ongoing calls that they may have missed initially or were not invited to, provided that there is a spot available.

This feature is especially useful for large group calls where participants may join or leave the call at different times. With Joinable Calls, new participants can join the call seamlessly without disrupting the ongoing conversation. Additionally, this feature can be beneficial for businesses or remote teams, as it allows for more spontaneous and impromptu group calls without needing to schedule a time that works for everyone.

It is important to note that Joinable Calls is currently only available on the WhatsApp desktop application for Windows, and not on the mobile app or WhatsApp Web. However, it is possible that this feature may be rolled out to other platforms in the future.

Benefits of the new feature

The Joinable Calls feature on WhatsApp’s Windows desktop application offers several benefits for users, including:

1. Flexibility: Joinable Calls allows users to join ongoing group calls that they may have missed or were not invited to, which offers more flexibility for users and allows them to join conversations that they may have otherwise missed.
2. Convenience: Joinable Calls makes it easier for users to join group calls without needing to wait for an invite or schedule a time that works for everyone. This can be especially useful for businesses or remote teams where spontaneous group calls may be necessary.
3. Seamless integration: The Joinable Calls feature is seamlessly integrated into the existing group call feature on WhatsApp, which means that users do not need to download a separate app or navigate a complex interface to join a call.
4. Improved collaboration: Joinable Calls can improve collaboration between team members or colleagues, as it allows for more spontaneous group discussions and the ability to quickly bring new participants into ongoing calls.
5. Audio-only option: Joinable Calls allows users to join ongoing group calls as an audio-only participant, which can be useful if a call is full or if the user’s internet connection is not strong enough to support video.

Overall, the Joinable Calls feature offers users more flexibility and convenience when it comes to joining group calls on WhatsApp. It is a welcome addition to the application and could prove to be especially useful for businesses and remote teams.

How to use the new feature

To use the Joinable Calls feature on WhatsApp’s Windows desktop application, follow these simple steps:

1. Ensure that you have the latest version of the WhatsApp desktop application installed on your Windows computer.
2. Open the WhatsApp desktop application and navigate to the chat list.
3. Look for a group call that is in progress, and click on the green “Join” button that appears next to the call.
4. If the call is full, you can still join as an audio-only participant. Click on the “Join as an audio participant” button to join the call without video.
5. Once you have joined the call, you can turn on your video or mute your microphone as needed.

It’s important to note that only group calls that are in progress will have the “Join” button available. If a call has already ended, the button will not appear. Additionally, only participants who are already part of the group call will be able to see the call in progress and join it.

Overall, using the Joinable Calls feature on WhatsApp’s Windows desktop application is a straightforward process that allows users to join ongoing group calls with ease.

Comparison with other messaging apps

When it comes to the ability to join ongoing group calls, WhatsApp’s Joinable Calls feature puts it on par with other popular messaging apps such as Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet. However, there are some differences between these apps when it comes to the implementation and availability of this feature.

Zoom and Skype, for example, allow users to join ongoing group calls with a single click, similar to WhatsApp’s Joinable Calls feature. Google Meet, on the other hand, requires users to enter a meeting code to join a call, which can be less intuitive than the other apps.

One advantage that WhatsApp has over other messaging apps is its widespread availability and ease of use. WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. Additionally, WhatsApp is available on both mobile devices and desktop computers, which makes it accessible to a wider range of users.

Another advantage of WhatsApp’s Joinable Calls feature is its integration with the existing group call feature. Users do not need to download a separate app or navigate a complex interface to join ongoing group calls on WhatsApp. The feature is seamlessly integrated into the chat list, which makes it easy for users to find and join ongoing calls.

Overall, while there are similarities between WhatsApp’s Joinable Calls feature and the ability to join ongoing group calls on other messaging apps, WhatsApp’s widespread availability and ease of use make it a popular choice for users around the world.

Future developments

It is likely that WhatsApp will continue to develop and improve its group calling feature, including the Joinable Calls feature. Here are some potential future developments that WhatsApp may consider:

1. Expansion to other platforms: While Joinable Calls is currently only available on the WhatsApp desktop application for Windows, it is possible that this feature may be rolled out to other platforms in the future, such as the mobile app or WhatsApp Web.
2. Increased number of participants: Currently, WhatsApp allows up to eight participants in a group call. WhatsApp may increase this number in the future to allow for larger group calls.
3. Improved call quality: WhatsApp may continue to improve the call quality for group calls, which could include enhancements to video and audio quality, as well as improvements to call stability and reliability.
4. More features for business users: WhatsApp may consider adding more features for business users, such as the ability to record calls or share screens during group calls.
5. Integration with other services: WhatsApp may consider integrating its group calling feature with other services or applications, such as Facebook or Instagram, which could allow for more seamless collaboration between different platforms.

Overall, WhatsApp is likely to continue to invest in its group calling feature, as it is an important part of the app’s functionality and provides users with a convenient way to communicate with others in real-time.