Linux users finally get full WhatsApp functionality – but not a dedicated app

WhatsApp is rolling out voice and video calls on the web, a welcome move for Linux users who still don’t have a dedicated desktop app for the platform.

The Meta-owned messaging platform will allow users to make calls directly from the web client, according to WABetaInfo, which reported that the feature is already available to some beta users.

The functionality has been in development for about a year, with initial rollout focusing on individual chats. It will allow users to place both voice and video calls without installing the desktop app.

Users can simply open a chat and click the call button to start, according to the report. The new feature is part of a larger group call for the web client feature under development by WhatsApp.

Group chats are expected to support calls with up to 32 participants, as well as new features such as call links and scheduled calls, according to WABetaInfo, which covers all things WhatsApp. Web calls also support real-time screen sharing, which works similarly to desktop apps.

Like Android, iOS, and desktop apps, calls made from WhatsApp on the web are end-to-end encrypted using the Signal protocol, which the platform has used for years to protect messages, calls, and status updates. Encryption is automatically enabled for all calls.

End-to-end encryption is designed to ensure that no one outside the chat can access its contents, not even WhatsApp or Meta, a claim that has recently been disputed by some former contractors.

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In any case, web calls will be particularly welcomed by Linux users, who’ve lacked full WhatsApp functionality when using the app on their operating system. There’s no WhatsApp desktop app for Linux users, which means that to make a call, they had to switch to their phones.

The new feature will let them join meetings and call people directly from a browser on Linux. This will also be helpful to Windows users who do not have a new hybrid desktop app for their operating system.

Voice and video calling on the web is currently available to some users enrolled in the WhatsApp Web beta program and is expected to roll out more widely over the coming weeks.

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