{
  "id": 643213,
  "title": "WhatsApp web calling launches in SA: Free voice and video on desktop",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/whatsapp-web-calling-launches-in-sa-free-voice-and-video-on-desktop",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-12T07:51:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/technology/whatsapp-web-calling-launches-in-sa-free-voice-and-video-on-desktop/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "WhatsApp has launched Web Calling on its browser-based platform, WhatsApp Web, for users in South Africa, enabling free voice and video calls directly from desktops and laptops. This feature, which supports both one-on-one and group calls of up to 32 participants, was announced in late July and has been gradually rolled out globally. Users can access the calling functionality on Windows, Linux, and macOS, with optimal performance on Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox browsers. WhatsApp advises using a headset for improved audio quality, warning that external microphones and speakers may cause echo. The rollout has been ongoing, with South African users beginning to receive notifications this week. To activate the feature, users may need to log out and back in, or update both their browser and mobile app. WhatsApp has provided tutorials to guide users through initiating calls, managing group video calls, and navigating the supported operating systems. The introduction of Web Calling aligns with the increased reliance on digital platforms for work, commerce, and cross-border communication in South Africa, offering businesses and everyday users a more convenient and versatile communication tool.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu",
        "title": "Mobile phone found in former MP Prajwal Revanna’s Bengaluru prison cell had Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Netflix, Prime Video",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/mobile-phone-found-in-former-mp-prajwal-revannas-bengaluru-prison",
        "published": "2026-08-12T06:38:12.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}