WhatsApp unveils new ‘Schedule Calls' feature for group and individual users
The new 'Schedule Calls' feature will be applicable to both group and one-on-one conversations. All those who have been added to a scheduled group WhatsApp call will receive a notification when the call is about to begin. The new feature will gradually become available to all users globally, as per the Meta-owned company.
'We're launching these updates to give users new ways to connect, whether for family catch-ups or professional meetings,' WhatsApp said in a press note on Monday, August 18. Note, scheduled calls on WhatsApp will also be end-to-end encrypted.
The latest update possibly addresses a long-standing request from users for scheduling options on WhatsApp. It also positions the app to compete more directly with other video-teleconferencing platforms such as Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.
Users will also now be able to raise their hand or react with an emoji when on a WhatsApp call, as per the company. WhatsApp further said it has made UI changes to make it easier for users to manage calls. For instance, users will now be able to visit the Calls tab and see upcoming WhatsApp calls with a list of attendees as well as an option to share a link to join the call.
Users who schedule WhatsApp calls in advance, will receive notifications when someone joins their call via a shared link.
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