WhatsApp Now Lets Anyone Join Calls, No Account Needed
WhatsApp has introduced a new guest calling feature, allowing users to invite individuals without WhatsApp accounts to voice or video calls. All calls are free, end-to-end encrypted, and have no time limits. Up to 32 participants can join a single call. Guests require host permission to enter and are placed in a waiting room until admitted. Guest participants cannot see other phone numbers, send messages, or add others to the call. Hosts retain the ability to remove guests at any time. Guests can utilize features like screen sharing, emoji reactions, and a raised hand for questions. To initiate a guest call, WhatsApp users navigate to the Calls tab, create a link, and share it. Call links are also accessible via computer browsers. WhatsApp plans to integrate with Google and Outlook calendars later for scheduling calls. This feature mirrors Apple's FaceTime link functionality.