WhatsApp is reportedly building a guest calls feature, allowing people without an account to join group calls. This removes the platform's traditional account-only barrier, opening calls to anyone with a secure link. It positions WhatsApp directly against open conferencing tools like Zoom and Google Meet.
How We Got Here
WhatsApp has historically operated as a closed messaging ecosystem, requiring accounts for all interactions since its 2009 launch. Meta, its parent company, has steadily expanded WhatsApp's utility from personal chats to business and community features over the last five years.
The Numbers
- Users will generate shareable links within the app, allowing guests to join from a web browser.
- Guest calls will reportedly maintain WhatsApp’s standard end-to-end encryption for security.
- The development echoes features available on Google Meet and Zoom, which allow quick participation without account logins.
- The feature is currently under development and was spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.13.14.
What Happens Next
🇮🇳 Why This Matters for India
For small businesses in Tier-2 cities like Lucknow and Jaipur, this feature reduces friction for client calls, especially with those less tech-savvy or not on WhatsApp.
The Take
This feature signals WhatsApp's quiet pivot from a 'friends and family' chat app to a serious enterprise collaboration contender. Expect Meta to push this hard to SMBs in India by Q4 2024.
Source:
Gadgets 360 ↗