WhatsApp, the messaging platform with a staggering 1 billion users, may soon include video call functionality, according to reports from the tech-focused online publication Android Authority. A recently posted article suggests that a beta version (the final phase before the software goes live) of this popular app for Android contained the new feature.
This development arises as WhatsApp’s sibling app, Facebook Messenger, unveils a substantial update of its own: a group voice calling feature. This allows users within a group to audibly chat with each other in live-time, introducing an easier method for group communication.
Insider sources disclose that the much-anticipated video calling feature for WhatsApp has been under development for approximately six months, following leaked versions for iOS in December. Users testing the WhatsApp beta version 2.16.80 reported a significant addition – a “Video Call” option included within the primary call button in the chat interface. Previously, the call button solely led to the audio call function. With this latest proposed update, users would be provided with the choice between initiating an audio or video call.
However, the option to place a video call remained inactive for most users. Tech site Fone Arena detailed that select users could initiate video calls, although no supporting evidence has been presented. Shortly after its appearance, the “Video Call” option was removed in a subsequent update, signifying that it is possibly being refined further before the full launch.
WhatsApp became a household name last year when it revolutionized smartphone communications by introducing its pioneering voice call feature for Android, soon followed by iOS. The monster success of this app, along with Facebook Messenger, contributes to a combined user-base nearing the 2 billion mark. A fascinating statistic from Facebook showcases that a staggering 60 billion messages are exchanged daily on these two platforms. This data displays an intriguing shift in digital communication, with these messaging apps accounting for three times the total global SMS capability.
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