Signal wants to offer a more private alternative to group conversations via Zoom and Microsoft Teams
- Signal announces upgrades to group video calling
- Signal video calls now get personalized call links to make setup easier
- Emoji reactions, raising hands and more are also coming to Signal calls
Making group calls on Signal will become a lot easier thanks to a major upgrade to its video conferencing capabilities.
The privacy-focused messaging app has introduced a host of new features and tools as it looks to take on the likes of Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
While privacy and security remain paramount on the platform, Signal group calls will now offer a range of features that will be instantly familiar to anyone used to the other major online collaboration tools.
Signal Calls Upgrade
At the top of the list of new additions are call links, meaning Signal users can be invited to and then join a call, with just a tap or a click – without having to be part of a group chat.
Call links can be used for a recurring meeting or catch-up, and users can customize the name of the link, and whether to approve new participants, or make it more open – as well as the option to remove people from calling and even block them.
During a call, which can support up to 50 participants at a time, users can raise a virtual hand to ask a question or make a comment without interrupting the speaker or the conversation, and can now also send emoji responses for a more personal experience.
Users will also benefit from redesigned call control buttons, a seemingly simple but essential tool, meaning it’s easier to turn your camera and microphone on or off, manage your speaker source and see who else is on a call.
If you’re using Signal Desktop, there are more options to view speakers and call participants, including grid, sidebar and speaker views, as well as a special tab at the bottom of the app with information about all your conversations – including conversation history, links and the ability to call people back.
“We believe that however you want to communicate – a text, a call, a voice message, a GIF, a video call, a story – you should be able to do it privately,” Signal’s Nina Berman wrote in a blog post announcing the launch.
“Video calls have become a new normal meeting place for organizations, workplaces and friend groups around the world. As communications norms change, Signal’s promise of a private place to communicate remains the same.”
