WhatsApp is slowly living to its promise of bringing to fruition a voice calling option in addition to its message sending option. Screen shots appearing from India have been making waves online a clear indication that the Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) owned startup is in advanced stages on the development of the voice calling feature.
The free voice calling feature was first reported on Android users with iOS users admitting to seeing the presence of call buttons. WhatsApp has already confirmed that it is carrying out beta tests for the new service, which could launch very soon.
Changes to the current WhatsApp user interface are imminent as Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) pushes to popularize the platform that is expected to form an integral part on its monetization strategy. Once the testing is complete and, everything is okay, users will be able to see a phone receiver icon next to each contact name in a chat window.
A separate portal for keeping track of voice calls is also to be added as part of the new changes. The app will also notify users whenever they miss a call. Users will also be able to check their messages while on a call as WhatsApp highlights its ability of creating a no-nonsense voice calling solution.
BGR has already carried out tests on the voice calling featureboth on 3G and Edge networks with the outcome turning out to a crystal clear audio. The roll-out of the new service signals Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) intention to positioning WhatsApp to par with the likes of Skype and Viber as a messaging and voice calling app.
The kind of impact that WhatsApp is poised to have with the new addition remains unparalleled, taking into consideration the huge user base that the platform controls.
WhatsApp Call has the potential of turning out big just as the messaging option did, especially in a country like India where monthly active users clock highs of 70 million. The only challenge that WhatsApp is to face with the new service is ensuring it is still reliable even in areas marred with poor data coverage.
