WhatsApp introduces major group call enhancements with scheduling, attendance tracking and interactive features The messaging platform owned by Meta is transforming its group calling experience to improve organization and engagement while signaling potential expansion into business communication. In a recent announcement, the service unveiled a suite of tools enabling users to schedule calls in advance, monitor participant activity, and interact more effectively during ongoing discussions. A standout feature is the "Scheduled Call" functionality accessible via the "+" icon within the calls tab. This allows users to set specific dates and times for conversations, send invitations to individuals or groups, and generate unique meeting links. Once scheduled, these calls appear in the calls section with confirmed participant lists. The system also supports direct calendar integration through shared links for easier coordination. To ensure higher attendance rates, WhatsApp implements proactive notifications sent to participants shortly before scheduled calls. This improvement enhances punctuality for both personal and professional meetings while positioning the service to compete with platforms like Google Meet and Zoom. Internal appointment scheduling and participant tracking eliminate the need for external services when organizing meetings. For link creators, the platform now offers real-time attendance monitoring. Those sharing call links receive instant alerts whenever users join through their generated access points, facilitating better session management. Interactivity has been enhanced with the addition of a "Raise Hand" feature that lets participants signal interest in speaking without interrupting others - a familiar tool from professional video conferencing services. Emotional responses are now supported through emoji reactions, allowing visual feedback without disrupting dialogue flow. While emphasizing these advancements, WhatsApp maintains its commitment to privacy. Despite past controversies regarding its privacy policies, all communications including those using these new features remain protected by end-to-end encryption. The timing of these developments is particularly significant as WhatsApp faces increased regulatory scrutiny in Russia, where recent legal actions have restricted voice and video calling capabilities due to alleged violations of national regulations.