WhatsApp Enhances Collaboration Features with Group Call Scheduling, Link Notifications, and In-Chat Signals.

WhatsApp has added new features to enhance group calls, including scheduling, call link notifications, and in-chat signals for contributors. Users can now schedule calls and invite people or groups to join in advance. Participants can also signal their intent to contribute with a "Raise hand" option. WhatsApp has also updated call links to notify creators when someone joins. These updates aim to make WhatsApp a more valuable option for group meetings and professional use cases.

WhatsApp, a Meta-owned messaging app, has introduced new features aimed at improving its group calling capabilities. These updates include the ability to schedule calls, send call link notifications, and enable in-chat signals for contributors. The new features are designed to make WhatsApp a more viable option for group meetings and professional use cases.

The first notable addition is the scheduling feature. Users can now schedule calls by pressing the “+” button in the "Calls" tab and selecting "Schedule call." This allows users to invite colleagues or friends to join the call in advance. The scheduled calls can be managed in the Calls tab, which also displays a list of attendees and call links. These call links can be added to personal calendars or shared with others [1].

Another significant update is the "Raise hand" option, which enables participants to signal their intent to contribute to the conversation. This feature is similar to those found in other group chat tools like Zoom and Google Meet, allowing attendees to engage more effectively [2].

WhatsApp has also updated its call links to notify creators when someone joins the call. This update helps creators keep track of attendees and ensures that all participants are welcomed. Additionally, the app has introduced emoji reactions, allowing users to express their opinions or reactions during the call.

These updates aim to enhance WhatsApp's functionality for group meetings and professional use cases. By providing features such as scheduling, notifications, and in-chat signals, WhatsApp is positioning itself as a strong competitor in the group calling market.

References:
[1] https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/whatsapp-adds-schedule-group-calls-raise-hand/757746/
[2] https://www.engadget.com/social-media/whatsapp-now-lets-you-schedule-group-calls-155001583.html