New Delhi: WhatsApp’s video-calling feature is now live on a beta version for all Android devices.
The feature has made its appearance in WhatsApp Messenger app in Android for beta testers under the version 2.16.80. The beta testers can download this version from the Google Play store via APK file, which is available for download from APK Mirror.
The WhatsApp video calling feature can be accessed by tapping on the phone icon at the top-right corner of the window inside a particular chat. Earlier tapping the icon initiated voice calling, now tapping on the icon will give users the option to choose from a voice call or a video call. The option, for now, is only available from inside the chat window and not from the 'Calls menu'.
Also, presently though users can see the 'video calling' option they will not be able to make the call. As, on tapping on the video calling option, the app says it cannot place the call and adds "Video Calling is unavailable at this time."
However, the feature will be added soon as the option can now be seen inside the app.
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WhatsApp’s video-calling feature is one that has been expected for quite sometime, and on its launch, it could give the app a significant edge. The video-calling feature currently available on Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, Hangouts, KakaoTalk, Viber and Skype remains one of the leading options for face-to-face calls.
Recently it was also announced that the upcoming WhatsApp update could bring features such as callback, voice mail, video calling and also the ability to share ZIP files.
Also read: WhatsApp launches desktop app for Windows & Mac: Here’s how it works
Earlier this month, WhatsApp has added new features like end-to-end encryption, document sharing and more.
Also WhatsApp also finally released native desktop clients for Windows and Mac OS X. However, just like the WhatsApp Web, the users too need to Scan the QR code and connect the phone to use the desktop version.
