Popular Meta chat app WhatsApp today gained guest calling, a feature that lets users invite anyone to join a voice or video call, even if the invitee doesn't have a WhatsApp account.
WhatsApp says everyone has access to free, end-to-end encrypted calls with no time limits and support for up to 32 people at once.
A guest joining a call needs permission from the call host, and guests will show up in a waiting room until the host lets them in. Guests cannot see other participants' phone numbers, send messages, or add others to the call, and hosts can remove them from the call at any time. Guests have access to screen sharing for reviewing materials, thumbs up and heart emoji reactions, and a raised hand to ask a question.
WhatsApp users can start a guest call through the Calls tab. Tap "+" to create a call link and then send the link to anyone. WhatsApp calls can be joined in a computer browser with a WhatsApp call link.
WhatsApp says that it plans to roll out calendar integrations later this year for creating a WhatsApp call from a Google or Outlook calendar.
With the option to join a call from a browser, WhatsApp is matching a feature that Apple started offering for FaceTime with iOS 15. Anyone can join a FaceTime call with a FaceTime link.
