WhatsApp is testing voice and video calling on desktop

Facebook-owned WhatsApp is testing voice and video calling in the desktop Mac client after it has been offering both features in its mobile app for quite some time now, suggesting this functionality could launch via an update in the next few weeks.

According to WABetaInfo, which tracks upcoming features in WhatsApp Beta, people who are beta-testing an update to WhatsApp’s desktop client for macOS now have access to end-to-end encrypted VoIP calls and video calls in the messaging app.

Simply clicking the corresponding Audio Call or Video Call button in the chat header at the top of the window launches a call with that contact.

The other party sees a notification in their desktop when a call comes in, offering options to accept or decline. During the call, a small window appears with quick controls to hang up the call, mute the call and enable or disable video. Like with other features that are available through WhatsApp’s desktop client and the web interface, a constant connection with WhatsApp on your iPhone is required to use VoIP and video calling on desktop.

You can download WhatsApp Desktop for Mac or Windows from the official website.