Signal supports encrypted video chats

Open Whisper Systems has added support to the Signal chat app for encrypted video calls. New is also the support for CallKit in iOS 10, with which incoming calls can be accepted directly from the lockscreen. It is still a beta.

The public test for video calling concerns both iOS and Android. Users can participate by indicating this via the advanced settings. According to Open Whisper Systems, the maker of the privacy-focused chat app, a brand new telephony infrastructure has been implemented for the functionality. That would immediately ensure that the call quality, without video, improves.

The support for CallKit in iOS 10 allows users to record incoming calls from the lock screen. Requires that both the calling party and the recipient of the beta use their iOS device. Placed calls will then appear in the ‘recent calls’ list. “That also means that some information syncs with iCloud,” warns Open Whisper Systems. If you have a problem with this from a privacy point of view, you can disable CallKit support.