WhatsApp video calling has been spotted again in beta releases, suggesting its launch is finally close. WhatsApp video calling is supported in 180 countries. Facebook has allowed WhatsApp to use its servers and bandwidth around the world for both voice and video. Other cross-platform apps that support voice calling include Viber, Facebook Messenger, Skype and Google Duo, to name but a few.
WhatsApp is adding the ability for users to video call each other. The feature appears to be rolling out to random users without the need to update, but is available to anyone willing to install the latest beta. Sorry, iOS fans, but this is Android only for now.
Boasting more than 1 billion users means WhatsApp already has a lot going for itAll the New Features in WhatsApp You Need to Know AboutAll the New Features in WhatsApp You Need to Know AboutBeing one of the fastest growing social networks on the planet, WhatsApp needs to keep reinventing. These are the latest highlights you should know about.Read More. However, the immensely popular messaging app is now adding another string to its bow in the form of video calling.
As first spotted by Android Police, WhatsApp seems to be testing the water by rolling out video calling to random users. However, it’s already available in the latest beta version of the Android app for those willing to be virtual guinea pigs.
WhatsApp isn’t the first messaging app to offer video calling. Messenger, a rival app offered by WhatsApp’s parent company Facebook, enabled video calling in April 2015. However, this offers another option to those who prefer to speak to people face-to-face, even from a distance.
How to Try Video Calling on WhatsApp Right Now
If you’re either the patient type or have no interest in making video calls, then just sit tight and wait until WhatsApp rolls the feature out to the stable build. However, if you’re the impatient type, or old enough to remember when video calling felt like the futureBest Smartphone Apps for Free Cross-Platform Video CallsBest Smartphone Apps for Free Cross-Platform Video CallsIt doesn't matter your platform -- from Mac to PC to Android and everything in between -- one of these apps will let you make video calls.Read More, there are a couple of ways to try video calling on WhatsApp right now.
You could join the official WhatsApp testing program, which will grant you access to the latest beta version of WhatsApp. Or you could download the latest build (2.16.318 at the time of writing) from APKMirror. Be warned that this is a third-party site and so while we’re confident this is a legitimate install, MakeUseOf will not be held responsible if anything goes wrong.
It has to be assumed WhatsApp will roll video calling out to everyone in the not-too-distant future. Including on iOS. But for now it’s clearly still in beta, and potentially buggy as a result. Be warned that you can also only make a video call to other people using the beta.
Do you use WhatsApp? Is it your favorite messaging app? If so, why? If not, what is? Have you tried video calling someone through WhatsApp yet? If so, what do you think of the feature in its current form? Please let us know in the comments below!
Image Credit: Marco Verch via Flickr
Explore more about: Instant Messaging, Video Chat / Call, WhatsApp.
Exactly the kind of article I've been looking for. Thank you.
Just so you know Android OS is made by Google and it is stock Android and if you don't want any of the Verizon's 3 apps on the phone then by it straight from Google. You won't get any better pure Android than that. I have had the Nexus 6, 5x, 6p and now the Pixel, and the quality, the functionality, the speed, and the feel are excellent. Samsung, Motorola, LG skins, all the rest are not even clo I'mse to stock/pure Android. Nougat and all other features match the processor. It's a phone to enjoy! If you haven't bought the other phones yet buy the Pixel..!
Can you say Nexus 6P!
Getting the HTC 10 soon. I'm pumped!
This week I will buy iPhone. I'm long time Nexus owner (from Nexus 4 to Nexus 5x). There is no reason to stay with Android anymore.
Well done to the great inventors of the latest version of whatsapp video. That's great news..... Just pending for it be finally introduced to the system as said.