Privacy-focused messaging app Signal is adding new video calling features like links, reactions, and a calls tab to position itself as an alternative to Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.
The highlight of the update is the new Calls tab, which lets you make new calls, manage call links, and review call history. The tab lets you create links for calls, so you can just share them with other users instead of groups. This is similar to how Meet, Zoom, and Teams work. Links are reusable, so they can also be used for recurring meetings.
You also get commonly used management features like the ability to name your calls, manually admit people into meetings, and kick, delete, or block meetings. Attendees can join a queue and ask questions using a Meet-like raise hand feature.
Signal introduced encrypted group video calling in 2020 and now supports groups of up to 50 people. Rival WhatsApp enabled call-sharing links in 2022 and added support for screen sharing, speaker spotlight, and 32-person video calling in June this year.
“Video calling has become the new normal meeting place for organizations, workplaces, and friend groups around the world. Norms of communication change, but Signal’s promise of a private place to communicate remains the same. “We’ve made several welcome improvements over the past few months to improve Signal’s overall calling experience,” the company said in a blog post.
Signal is rolling out these video calling features to its iOS, Android, and desktop apps.
