WhatsApp Challenges Zoom and Teams with Native Browser Calling and Host Controls

Direct Browser Integration Redefines Desktop Accessibility

WhatsApp officially announced on July 28, 2026, that users can now initiate and receive audio or video calls directly through WhatsApp Web. This shift eliminates the requirement to download desktop software, targeting individuals on shared computers or restricted work laptops. WhatsApp head Kunal Shah demonstrated the functionality on social media via a screenshot of a Google Chrome session with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

The updated web interface includes several features previously reserved for the mobile app:

• Access to favorite contacts and comprehensive call history.
• Screen sharing capabilities for collaborative tasks.
• Use of reactions during active sessions.
• Full end-to-end encryption for all web-based communication.

New Utility Tools for Professional and Group Settings

In a direct move to rival Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet, the platform is introducing a suite of meeting management tools. A new waiting room feature grants hosts the authority to screen and approve participants before they enter a group call. To improve audio quality in chaotic environments, WhatsApp is also deploying background noise suppression technology.

Seamless Connectivity and Performance

The update addresses hardware flexibility through a call transfer tool, enabling users to shift an active group conversation between different devices without disconnecting. A company blog post confirmed that these services remain free of costs and time limits, positioning the platform as a viable alternative for professional users who favor its interface over complex enterprise software.

Source: The Hindu — Sci-Tech