WhatsApp is working on free voice calling feature since last year. The free VoIP feature was scheduled to release last year. The feature has been delayed several times and now it is scheduled to be released this year.
Now, WhatsApp has started public beta testing of the free voice calling feature. The feature has been started rolling out to select users in India.
A Reddit user pradnesh07 has revealed that he has received the Whatsapp voice calling feature on his device. According to the user, the said feature is invite only and there is no definite method to get the invite.
The user noted that he was able to activate the feature in some devices by calling the number. But this method doesn’t work for everyone. The user had downloaded the latest version of WhatsApp from the official website. The user is running WhatsApp v2.11.508 on his Nexus 5, the device is running on latest Android 5.0.2 Lollipop.
As you can see in the screenshot above, WhatsApp will have different tab for calls. The call tab will show the call log. Users can also call anyone from the chats, there will be a call icon on the top of the screen near the name so that you can covert the text chat to voice call.
The Whatsapp voice calling interface will be simple with several options like Mute, Loudspeaker, End call and send text on WhatsApp. Last Month, we have exclusively reported that WhatsApp is working on ‘Call via skype’ feature. In that report, we have revealed all the above features. WhatsApp might release the Call via Skype at a later date.
The user has also created a video demoing the new Whatsapp voice calling feature.
If you are a Android user, then you can download the latest version of WhatsApp and check if you have received the new feature.
With the public beta testing is going on full swing, we can expect the new feature to be released soon. WhatApp voice calling feature might be released in a month or two.