Signal has added a major new feature, giving users the ability to engage in encrypted groups calls.
Signal is the most secure messaging app on the planet, offering end-to-end encryption and a level of security other platforms can’t match. As a result, Signal is the preferred communication platform of choice for the EU Commission, the US Senate and some military units.
In spite of its security features, Signal has lagged behind competitors in convenience options and raw features, something the company has been working to rapidly address.
The latest feature is a big step in that direction, adding group calling abilities. While the feature is currently limited to 5 participants, once a group call is started, members of the group can come and go at will.
“Now when you open a group chat in Signal, you’ll see a video call button at the top. When you start a call, the group will receive a notification letting them know a call has started,” the company wrote in a blog post.
“When you start or join a group call, Signal will display the participants in a grid view. You can also swipe up to switch to a view that automatically focuses the screen on who is speaking, and it will update in real time as the active speaker changes.”
The company emphasizes that “group calls are free, private, and end-to-end encrypted.”
Group calls are an important feature that helps Signal on par with competing products, like Apple iMessage and WhatsApp. The fact that Signal has added this feature while providing the same high degree of security is a big win for consumers.