Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/Twin Design

So you know you can make calls through WhatsApp now, right?

The feature is now available for Android users while an iOS version will arrive in a couple of weeks.

IT’S TAKEN A WHILE for it to arrive, but WhatsApp has begun rolling out voice calling for its app, starting with its Android version.

This is not to be confused with the call version already on WhatsApp which allowed you to switch to your service provider. Instead, the feature now allows you to make calls using your WiFi or 3G/4G connection similar to Viber and FaceTime.

The catch is for now, it’s only available for Android users. iPhone users will be left waiting a little while longer as WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton said that it would be arriving for these devices in a couple of weeks.

After iOS, the team will roll out the feature to Windows Phone and Blackberry devices.

The new update breaks up WhatsApp into three main tabs, calls, messages and contacts and the service works similarly to rivals like Viber, Skype and FaceTime. For now, you can only call those who also have Android devices with the update, but that will change over time.

WhatsApp CEO and co-founder Jan Koum announced the feature this time last year, but the beta version only appeared last month. At that point, the only way you could access it was to either be part of an invitation-only list or download the APK file on its site, and install it that way.

Whatsapp voice calls WhatsApp / Google Play WhatsApp / Google Play / Google Play

Read: Microsoft’s latest laptop hybrid is smaller, lighter and cheaper >

Read: Can Jay Z’s Tidal streaming service really challenge Spotify? >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
22 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds