WhatsApp Starts Rollout of New Feature: CALLING

New Delhi: After much speculation, WhatsApp has started the rollout for the voice calling feature. According to the new update, the mobile messaging app features separate columns for calls and messages. Currently, the update is available only to select users using the Android Lollipop OS on the Nexus devices.

Whatsapp starts roll out of Call Feature. Source

The interface is the same as the screenshots leaked in December which brought about the speculation of such an update for the future. The voice calling feature has been much awaited since then and rumors of the release have been about in the air.

Availability of such a feature has opened up a new door of opportunities for the telcos. VoIP is a feature which allows the user to make calls over the data package or internet connection. The voice calling feature brings the mobile messaging app in direct competition with apps such as WeChat, Viber and Line. These applications already have the voice calling feature available, and the entry of WhatsApp, the world’s most used messaging app, into the field means a tighter competition for other developers.

Whatsapp set out to enter the VoIP market. Source

WhatsApp has not yet announced the release of the update and the news of the update was received over Reddit. A user received the update and posted screenshots as well as a video of the feature. Currently, the calling feature is available only on Android and both the users need to have the update installed to test out the feature.

WhatsApp has successfully revolutionized the way we use mobile messaging in today’s world. The introduction of such a feature will surely bring about change in the way we use our data and make calls in the future. A mobile application with over 700 million active users, WhatsApp changes the way we use our phones to communicate each day, and this is another step towards the future with the mobile messaging giant.