WhatsApp yesterday announced a major expansion of its calling features, introducing voice and video calling directly on WhatsApp Web alongside a suite of updates aimed at making calls more seamless across devices.

The rollout, according to a company blog, also includes call transfer between devices, a waiting room for calls joined via links, faster high-definition video at the start of calls and noise suppression.

The company said users can now make and receive one-to-one as well as group audio and video calls from a web browser without downloading a desktop app.

Web calling will support existing features such as screen sharing, reactions, a dedicated calls tab with full call history and favourites, while maintaining end-to-end encryption with no time limits or additional cost.

WhatsApp is also introducing call transfer, allowing users to move an active group call from a mobile device or tablet to WhatsApp Web or Desktop — and back again — without hanging up or rejoining the conversation.

To give users greater control over group conversations, the platform has added a Waiting Room feature. When a call link is created with ‘Require approval to join’ enabled, participants will remain in the waiting room until admitted by the host.

The update further includes QuickHD, which delivers high-definition video within the first few seconds of a call, and noise suppression, enabling users to reduce background noise through in-call settings so their voice comes through more clearly in busy environments.