Calls

Calls in WallyMates run on two different technologies, each suited to a different load: a direct connection for a two-person conversation, and separate infrastructure for calls with many participants.

1:1 calls

• Direct connection (WebRTC) — Voice and video calls go straight between devices, with no intermediate server recording the traffic.
• Stability on difficult networks — If a direct connection isn't possible (a restrictive NAT, a mobile carrier), the call automatically routes through a TURN server — without it, the call simply wouldn't connect.
• Adaptive quality — Video resolution adjusts to connection speed in real time — a call keeps going even on a weak connection, just with lower picture quality instead of dropping.

Out-loud verification — protection against a swap

A direct connection protects the traffic from interception, but not from the server lying about who you're actually connecting to. That's why WallyMates shows a "call fingerprint" — a sequence of 96 emoji computed from both parties' long-term identity keys. Compare a few of them out loud — if they match, a swap is ruled out. The algorithm is identical on Android and Windows. The math behind it is on the Security & Encryption page.

Group calls & livestreams

Multi-participant calls and channel broadcasts run on separate infrastructure (LiveKit), built specifically for many simultaneous participants — unlike the direct 1:1 connection. A "stage" layout mode is available here for calls with a lot of participants.

What you get during a call

• Virtual background — Blur or replace your background with no green screen needed — silhouette detection happens right on the device.
• Video filters — Picture correction during a video call — no separate camera app needed.
• In-call reactions — Emoji reactions right over the video during a call — send several in a row, no delay.
• Noise cancellation — Background noise suppression — toggle on/off mid-call.
• Screen sharing — Share your whole screen or a single window with the other person — no separate screencast software.
• Call recording — Record a conversation to the device — with participants' consent.
• Call transfer — Move an active call to another of your own devices without dropping it.
• Call history — A list of every incoming, outgoing, and missed call, with the duration of each.
• Floating mini-window (Windows) — Minimizing the app during a call doesn't end it — the other person stays in a small window on top of other apps.
• Audio output device selection (Windows) — Speakers or headphones — switch right in the middle of a call.