WhatsApp takes on Zoom and Google Meet with guest calling

WhatsApp has introduced guest calling, enabling users to invite anyone to join group or one-on-one chats, regardless of whether they possess a WhatsApp account. Guests face approval from the host before entry, whether it's a one-on-one conversation or a group call with up to 32 participants. Guests cannot view other participants' phone numbers, send messages, or invite others.

Guest calling offers features like screen sharing, hand-raising, and emoji reactions. Participants can join via a computer browser without needing the app. To utilize this feature, access the Calls tab in WhatsApp, choose the “+” icon, generate a call link, and send it to the desired recipients—a practical solution for colleagues, classmates, or tutors without considering the recipient's app preferences.

This development follows WhatsApp's recent testing of a comparable feature for text conversations, allowing users to exchange end-to-end encrypted messages with non-WA account holders. However, this earlier feature did not support voice or video calls. Today, WhatsApp announced its collaboration with Google Calendar and Outlook, which will enable users to generate WhatsApp call links from their calendars and incorporate them into event invitations.

This upcoming feature will necessitate a WhatsApp plugin and is slated to launch later in the year. For further details, refer to WhatsApp's official announcement.