WhatsApp set to launch free voice calls

04/09/2014

Damascus, SANA- Facebook is upping the ante as voice messaging services Skype and Viber will soon have to grapple with some stiff competition from the company-owned WhatsApp.

Reports suggest that the updated version of WhatsApp will offer support for the voice call feature.

The leaked images of the upcoming user interface show that the app has been enabled with other language translations which will be displayed at the time a person receives a call via WhatsApp.

Currently, the translation feature leaked in April this year, that is accessible on the latest WhatsApp version, also points in the direction that the voice calling feature is set to arrive soon. The leaked images also reveal that app will imbibe buttons for speakers, muting, message and ending a call.

With the voice calling option available for WhatsApp, users will not only be able to chat with those on their list, but also call them up without a fee being administered. This factor may give WhatsApp an edge over rivals Viber and Skype.

Another advantage WhatsApp would have over Skype and Viber is that by comparison, it uses less bandwidth. While there are often delays (few seconds) in calls made via Viber or Skype, the fact that WhatsApp is highly optimized for voice calls would mean that there would be no delays.

WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. It uses the same internet data plan used for email and web browsing, there is no cost to message and stay in touch with the friends.

In addition to basic messaging WhatsApp users can create groups, send each other unlimited images, video and audio media messages.

In a December 2013 blog post, WhatsApp claimed that 400 million active users use the service each month. As of 22 April 2014, WhatsApp had over 500 million monthly active users, 700 million photos and 100 million videos are shared each day, and the messaging system handles more than 10 billion messages each day.

R. al-Jazaeri / H. Said