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After promising to deliver voice calling capabilities back in 2014, WhatsApp has finally delivered, introducing voice over IP features in its latest update. With the new version of the app, it's possible for WhatsApp users to call friends and family directly within the app using a Wi-Fi or cellular connection at no cost.
The introduction of voice calling to the Facebook-owned WhatsApp app puts it on par with Facebook's other messaging app, Facebook Messenger, which gained voice calling back in 2013. It also allows the app to better compete with other iOS-based VoIP calling options like Skype and FaceTime Audio.
Today's WhatsApp update also brings a few other features, including the iOS 8 share extension for sharing videos, photos, and links to WhatsApp from other apps, contact editing tools, and the ability to send multiple videos at one time.
What's new
-WhatsApp Calling: Call your friends and family using WhatsApp for free, even if they're in another country. WhatsApp calls use your phone's Internet connection rather than your cellular plan's voice minutes. Data charges may apply. Note: WhatsApp Calling is rolling out slowly over the next several weeks.-iOS 8 share extension: Share photos, videos, and links right to WhatsApp from other apps.
-Quick camera button in chats: Now you can capture photos and videos, or quickly choose a recent camera roll photo or video.
-Edit your contacts right from WhatsApp.
-Send multiple videos at once and crop and rotate videos before sending them.
WhatsApp can be downloaded from the App Store for free. The new WhatsApp calling feature will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks. [Direct Link]
Top Rated Comments
Has this been released on Android as well, in order to make cross-platform calls?
Android already had it weeks ago. It's been frustrating trying to WA call people with iPhone only to get the message "this person needs to update their version of Whatsapp in order to receive calls"
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You should check out Telegram - it's got everything WhatsApp has...
... except the users. A messaging app is useless if none of your contacts are using itat last! now all we need is a dedicated mac app so i can rid of viber for good
I share this sentiment. Viber has great potential, but for some bizarre reason, they've chosen to be an ugly stepchild of an app. Not quite fully native, but close enough that most users won't complain or even notice. I've been very vocal to them about their non-standard Mac app.----------
Apps like this and Facetime audio, Hangouts, etc. must *really* get the carriers mad.
Over the next 5 years, carriers are going to become glorified internet service providers.
I share this sentiment. Viber has great potential, but for some bizarre reason, they've chosen to be an ugly stepchild of an app. Not quite fully native, but close enough that most users won't complain or even notice. I've been very vocal to them about their non-standard Mac app.
You should check out Telegram - it's got everything WhatsApp has [though now it is missing VOIP, but I think that's on their roadmap], and it is 100% free, not owned by FB, and open source [plus it has a nice Mac app, iPad app, and other major desktop/mobile OS platforms]. I use it as a mini-dropbox like service [you can send up to 1GB files to others as well as longer than 90 second videos and audio voicememos].
And it has the world's funkiest stickers [the only drawback thus far, but i don't use stickers often enough to care]. Viber's interface...wow...yeah...heh. They seem to like that ugly UI! :)
Telegram: http://telegram.org
Just FYI! [not a dev - just a happy user]