WhatsApp is adding a suite of new features aimed at turning the app into a more structured communication tool for groups. The updates, announced in a recent blog post, position the Meta-owned messaging service as a new competitor to platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom by making it easier to plan and manage group calls.
Read: Apple reportedly pivoting AI to new smart home devices
The new features are designed to improve both the planning and interactive aspects of group calls:
- Call Scheduling: Users can now plan calls in advance by tapping the “+” button in the Calls tab and selecting “Schedule call.” This feature creates a shareable link that can be added to personal calendars and sends notifications to participants when the call is about to begin.
- Enhanced Call Management: Upcoming calls will be visible in the Calls tab, complete with a list of attendees. The person who creates the call link will also be notified when someone joins.
- Interactive Controls: During a call, users can now “raise a hand” to signal they want to speak without interrupting the conversation. Live reactions have also been added, allowing participants to respond without speaking.
See also
These updates reinforce WhatsApp’s ambition to move beyond casual messaging. While all calls will remain protected with end-to-end encryption, the new tools for meeting-style planning and attendee management show WhatsApp is increasingly positioning itself as a viable option for a range of collaborative needs, from family and friends to workplaces.
