The news of WhatsApp getting the voice calling functionality has been floating around for a while now, but it looks like that we are finally narrowing in for its launch. Some new screenshots have reached the Internet, which suggest that the VoIP ability of the IM app is going to come soon. The screenshots come through the Android specific version of the app.
WhatsApp is available in two build branches: one is available through the Play Store and the other one is available through the company's website. The latter is the one getting updates more frequently and has more functionalities hidden which are used for testing new features.
The latest update brings a new set of screens which look like they are laying down the ground work for bringing the voice calling ability to the app. The leaked screenshots pretty much confirm that voice calling is coming soon. It looks like the calling feature will be available as a separate functionality from the chat. There will be different screens for taking charge of dialling, call logs, contacts screen, and call status.
However, the calling functionality will be integrated into the messaging part of things. Things like missed calls will pop up in the chat thread. Another possibility is that the app might allow for calls to be recorded and played back at a later time.
As far as the pricing is concerned, we don’t know what model will be followed. We wouldn’t like to jump to any conclusions regarding what all features could come but all we know is that something good is surely waiting in the wings.
