WhatsApp Takes on Zoom with Innovative Group Call Features
Meta has introduced a fresh suite of enhancements to WhatsApp’s calling capabilities, positioning the popular messaging app as a compelling alternative to Zoom for group communication. These newly rolled-out features aim to streamline group calls and boost user engagement through added convenience and interactivity.
One standout addition is the ability to schedule calls with friends, family, colleagues, or any contacts right within the WhatsApp app. Scheduled calls will appear in a dedicated "Calls" tab, where users can manage them effortlessly by viewing invite lists, sharing call links, and even adding appointments to their personal calendars. As a scheduled call’s start time approaches, all participants will receive timely reminders prompting them to join.
Improved Interaction During Group Calls with Hand Raise and Reactions
To enhance communication dynamics during group calls, WhatsApp now lets participants “raise their hands” to signal a desire to speak, fostering orderly discussions without interruptions. Additionally, users can send quick emoji reactions to express sentiments non-verbally, enriching the conversational experience without disrupting the speaker. These tools are particularly useful for larger calls where managing turn-taking and engagement is a challenge.
Enhanced Call Link Notifications for Better Awareness
The update also brings smarter notifications related to call links. When a user creates a call link and shares it, they will now be alerted each time someone joins the call through that link. This provides hosts with real-time awareness of attendance and participation without needing to check manually.
Together, these features mark a significant step forward in making WhatsApp’s calling environment more organized, interactive, and user-friendly. By integrating scheduling, participant management, and interaction enhancements, WhatsApp is extending its capabilities beyond simple messaging—bringing richer collaboration tools directly into users’ hands.