WhatsApp has launched a brand new ‘Schedule Calls’ characteristic, permitting customers to plan each group and private calls prematurely on the favored messaging platform.
The Meta-owned firm mentioned the characteristic might be steadily rolled out worldwide, aiming to make each skilled and private communication extra seamless. Members in scheduled group calls will obtain notifications when the decision is about to start, with all scheduled calls persevering with to stay end-to-end encrypted.
“We’re launching these updates to offer customers new methods to attach, whether or not for household catch-ups or skilled conferences,” WhatsApp mentioned in a press be aware on Monday, August 18.
Alongside name scheduling, WhatsApp has additionally launched interactive instruments reminiscent of the power to lift a hand or react with emojis throughout calls. A refreshed interface now permits customers to view upcoming calls within the Calls tab, test the checklist of attendees, and share hyperlinks for others to hitch. Notifications can even be triggered when somebody joins a scheduled name through a shared hyperlink.
The replace fulfills a long-standing consumer demand and positions WhatsApp to compete extra immediately with video-conferencing platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Groups.
The rollout comes after a collection of current updates. Final week, WhatsApp started testing ‘Writing Assist’, an AI-powered software in beta designed to help with grammar, phrasing, and tone changes. In June, the platform confirmed plans to introduce advertisements within the Standing part, whereas clarifying that non-public chats and the Calls tab will stay ad-free.
Amid rising consumer issues about privateness and AI integration, the corporate reiterated its stance on safety. A WhatsApp spokesperson mentioned, “Your private messages on WhatsApp are all the time protected by end-to-end encryption in order that solely you and the folks you chat with can learn or share them. Meta AI on WhatsApp is totally non-obligatory and, if you happen to select to message or invoke Meta AI in your chats, it could solely learn what you share with it.”
