WhatsApp could soon bring video and voice calling to its desktop app. The Guardian's Alex Hern has speculated that the Facebook-owned messaging app could be testing this feature for WhatsApp Web and desktop app and it may soon be available for all users.
As per the image that Hern tweeted, we can see the video and audio call icons on the top bar of the WhatsApp desktop app beta interface. In the current version, it only shows 'search', 'attach' and 'more options' drop-down icon. These icons have 'Beta' written on top of them, which suggests that these features are in the testing phase.
https://twitter.com/alexhern/status/1334789915733860353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
In the current versions of the desktop app and WhatsApp web, users do not get an option to make or receive calls. Which means audio and video calling feature is only available on the mobile version of the app.
It does not come as a surprise as we've already heard rumours about WhatsApp working towards adding calling features for these versions. Earlier, WABetaInfo also spotted the same on WhatsApp Web in October 2020. The report stated that a pop-up window appears with options to pick or reject a call when you get a call on WhatsApp Web on desktop. When you are on a call via desktop version, a smaller pop-up appears with options to turn on/off camera, mute, decline, and more options.
In other news, it is being reported that WhatsApp users will have to accept new terms and condition for the messaging service in February 2021 else risk losing their WhatsApp account. WABetainfo lists the date for the updated terms and conditions as of February 8, 2021, but says that the date could change.