14 DAY TRIAL // Popular messaging service WhatsApp has been promising it will add a voice calling feature to its rooster of features. And back in December we got to look at a few leaked pictures which gave us a sneak peek at the service.
WhatsApp mentioned at some point that users should expect this feature to roll out in 2015, but they didn't put an exact date on it.
Some WhatsApp users are getting a new feature
Anyway, it seems WhatsApp has started rolling out the VoIP (Voice Over IP) service, which will make it possible for users to call contacts from the list. However, in order to be able to use this feature, you’ll need an “invitation.”
WhatsApp hasn't made an official announcement yet, but a user on Reddit has shared with us some information about the new feature plus a video showing us how it works.
The feature is currently in beta testing so that’s why only a limited number of people are getting to use it for the time being.
According to the commenter on Reddit who published the video tutorial, users need to download the latest Whatsapp .APK from the Whatsapp website.
The feature is currently available for Android, but it should soon be making its way to other platforms.
“The guy who sent me the invite confirmed that it works on other phones, on other roms and other OS and in other countries” (outside India), says the Reddit user.
The invite process is not very straight-forward
Anyway, those for whom the new feature arrived, describe a call button being made available. A person who wants to invite another person to use the feature will have to “call” them, but it seems in some cases this strategy works and in others, it doesn’t.
The interface is fairly simple, it shows the name plus the WhatsApp image of the person you intend to call. The new feat also adds individual calls, chats and contacts tabs on top.
It appears WhatsApp is opting for a cautious start, so the general population will probably have to wait a little bit before being able to voice call using the service.
