WhatsApp rival Signal introduces new video calling features

Signal video calls

Instant messaging platform Signal has rolled out a bunch of new features, mainly for video calls. “Video calls have become a new normal meeting place for organisations, workplaces, and groups of friends all over the world,” said Signal in a blog post.

Signal has introduced Call Links which allows users to to simply create a quick and easy link that anyone on Signal can use to join a call without having to join a Signal group chat first. Earlier, to start a group call in Signal users needed to first create a Signal group chat, then add people, and only then they could start a group call.

To create a call link, open Signal on your phone or Desktop and navigate to the calls tab. Tap or click to create a call link. You can decide if you want to name your link and whether you want to have control over approving people who want to join or if anyone can join without approval. Signal says that by default, you’ll have to approve people before they can join a call.

Furthermore, Signal is also introducing the new raise hand button or share emoji reactions.

Signal users will now also see a dedicated tab at the bottom of their phone screen or at the left-hand side of your Desktop app screen for all of your calls. “You can much more easily see your call history, call people back, and manage your call links,” said Signal in a blog post.

The instant messaging platform has also updated the call control buttons, making it easier to turn camera and microphone on or off, manage the speaker source, and see who else is in a call.