Mark Zuckerberg yesterday announced new features for its “WhatsApp app for Mac” and the standout option is the ability for users to make group calls directly from their Mac devices. Users can now engage in group video calls, which can take up to eight participants, as well as group audio calls, supporting conversations with as many as 32 individuals. This move expands the realm of communication possibilities for WhatsApp users on the Mac platform.
The app was first introduced in January through a public beta release. With this expansion, the company hopes to bring the same improved experience to Mac users. These interactions uphold the strong end-to-end encryption that defines WhatsApp, ensuring security across various operating systems.
In addition to up-to-eight-person video calls and up-to-32-person audio calls, the new app has a redesigned UI that will look familiar to any macOS iMessage user. The app’s interface is thoughtfully designed to be familiar and user-friendly for Mac users. Below are the other noteworthy features of this latest update:
- Effortless File Sharing: Share files effortlessly by dragging and dropping them into your chat, simplifying the process of exchanging information.
- Incoming Call Notifications: Receive incoming call notifications even when the app is closed, allowing you to promptly respond to important calls.
- Enhanced Call History: The new app allows you to access your call history, making it convenient to keep track of your communications.
- Extended Chat History: Enjoy a more extensive chat history view, providing easy access to past conversations.
The company also mentioned that users can join ongoing group calls even after they’ve started, ensuring they never miss out on important conversations. Currently, the app can be obtained by directly downloading it from WhatsApp. However, Meta has stated that it will soon be available on the macOS App Store.
WhatsApp has been expanding its range of video features in an effort to stay in sync with changing user habits and offer a more engaging and interactive communication experience. Notably, the Instant-messaging service has introduced additional functionalities to enhance its video capabilities, including screen-sharing during video calls and the ability to send video messages. These new additions build upon the app’s foundational messaging features, contributing to an enriched and dynamic user experience.
