Signal adds new features to compete with Zoom and Teams
New video calling features in Signal (photo: Getty Images)
Privacy-focused messaging app Signal is adding new features for video calls, including links, reactions, and a call tab, to become an alternative to Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams, according to TechCrunch.
Update details
The main feature of the update is the new Calls tab, which allows you to make new calls, manage call links, and check your history.
The tab allows you to create links for calls, so instead of creating a group, you can simply share a link with people - similar to how Meet, Zoom, and Teams work. Links are reusable, so you can use them for regular meetings.
You also get common management features such as the ability to call calls, and manually allow people to join meetings or kick, delete, and block them. Participants can queue up to ask questions using a Meet-like show of hands feature.
Users of the Signal desktop app can switch between grid, sidebar, or speaker modes.
Signal introduced encrypted group video calls in 2020 and now supports groups of up to 50 people. Competitor WhatsApp started allowing people to share call links in 2022 and in June added screen sharing, speaker highlighting, and video call support for up to 32 people.
“Video calls have become a new normal meeting place for organizations, workplaces, and groups of friends all over the world. As communication norms change, Signal’s promise of a private place to communicate stays the same. To make Signal calling better overall, we’ve spent the last few months building some welcome improvements,” the company said in a blog post.
Signal is rolling out the feature across its iOS, Android, and desktop apps.
New Signal video calling features (photo: Signal)
New Signal video calling features (photo: Signal)
Read more about the features of the Signal app and why it is safer than WhatsApp and Telegram.
We also wrote about how to avoid deleting your WhatsApp messages and accounts.
