WhatsApp to soon become a direct competitor to Zoom
WhatsApp has added the ability to schedule a group call with the latest beta version (v2.23.17.7) of its Android app, reports WABetaInfo. The scheduling feature works for voice calls as well as video calls. The functionality makes it easier for people in a group chat to plan a group call and notify all the participants in the group about it. The feature also makes it easier for participants to join a group call by adding a message about it in the chat thread in the format of a message with an option to join the call.
To access the new feature, you have to tap the call button. Once you do that, WhatsApp will ask you if you want to make a voice call or a video call. After selecting the desired option, the app will ask you if you want to make the group call right away or schedule a call. After selecting the scheduling option, WhatsApp will allow you to choose the date and the time for the call. Now all you have to do is tap on ‘Send,’ and WhatsApp will send a message to the group about the call with ‘Join call’ and ‘Cancel‘ options.
The call scheduling feature in WhatsApp works similarly to that in business-oriented communication platforms like Microsoft Teams, Webex, and Zoom, making WhatsApp a do-it-all app. According to WABetaInfo, only a few people using the latest beta version got the new feature. Going by WhatsApp’s feature roll-out history, the call scheduling feature should become available to the public in the next couple of months.
Recently, Meta also added a video messages feature, screen sharing option, and animated avatar stickers to the app. So, it looks like the company wants to turn WhatsApp into an all-in-one communications app for work and day-to-day usage.
