Google Messages, which you might be using, is the default messaging app on almost all Android smartphones running Google Mobile Services (GMS). Google is working to enhance its functionality by integrating various third-party services like Google Meet, allowing users to do more than just send SMS.
In the latest development, Google seems to be letting you initiate a video call directly when messaging through WhatsApp messenger. The latest app (version 20250131) teardown suggests this, indicating the imminent rollout of the feature.
The screenshot reveals that while you message individual users, you’ll find a video call icon on the top right which should let you initiate a WhatsApp video call with the same person, provided they also have WhatsApp installed on their devices. If the other user is unavailable on WhatsApp, users would be left with the default Google Meet video call option.
The development also suggests that the feature is currently only available in single-user chat windows. It may be integrated into group chats as well during wide rollout. This feature would be a welcome change for a wide range of users, considering the wider adoption of WhatsApp video calls.
We should get more details about the official rollout in the coming weeks.