WhatsApp Update: Video-Calling Feature Rolls Out To iOS, Android And Windows Phone

WhatsApp users who may have distanced from using the app and resorted to patronizing other messaging apps with video-calling functionality in the past can now rejoice. The texting service company has announced that the long awaited video-calling feature is now rolling out to the different platform-based versions of the app via a new update.

On Monday, the developers of WhatsApp took to the app’s official blog to announce the arrival of video calling — the company’s next step in its efforts to connect its users no matter where they are. The team also noted that the update will not be for select users only, but for everyone who have the app on their Android, iOS and Windows Phone devices.

Explaining why they are bringing the video-calling functionality to the app’s general users, the team wrote that they are rolling out the feature because “sometimes voice and text just aren’t enough.” The team indicated that there is no substitute for witnessing and sharing very important moments in one’s life and that the functionality was added in response to the numerous requests from WhatApp users.

Meanwhile, 9To5Mac has learned that the real reason why the new update comes with video-calling support is because it was made possible by FaceBook’s acquisition of the company. As part of the deal, WhatsApp was reportedly given access to Facebook’s servers and bandwidth, making it possible for the app to support lengthy voice conversations and video calls.

To use the video-calling feature, one should tap the call icon in the chat thread of the person the user wants to call. This will prompt the app to ask the user whether he or she wants to carry out a regular call or a video call, as per PhoneArena. The video-calling functionality can be carried out with the use of either the front-facing selfie camera or the back camera. There is also an option for users to move the thumbnail video around the screen, while the call is ongoing.