Tech

AT LAST! Whatsapp Introduces Video Calls Feature

Published

8 years ago

November 15, 2016

WhatsApp has announced an upgrade of its platform: it’s over one billion users will not just be able to make audio calls, they will also be able to do so by video.

The latest feature will be operational in a few days and it will be available across iOS, Windows and Android platforms.

“We’re introducing this feature because we know that sometimes voice and text just aren’t enough. There’s no substitute for watching your grandchild take her first steps, or seeing your daughter’s face while she’s studying abroad. And we want to make these features available to everyone, not just those who can afford the most expensive new phones or live in countries with the best cellular networks,” said a WhatsApp spokesman.

“Over the years we’ve received many requests from our users for video calling, and we’re excited to finally offer this feature to the world. Thank you for using WhatsApp and we promise to keep working hard every day to improve the service.”

A sample video call on WhatsApp

WhatsApp’s goal has always been to help as many people as possible stay in touch with friends, family, and others they care about. That means making a product that’s simple, easy to use, and accessible no matter where you are.

The company started with messaging and Group Chat, then added voice calling, in a way that works across thousands of device and platform combinations all over the world.

More than 1 billion people in over 180 countries use WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, anytime and anywhere. WhatsApp is free and offers simple, secure, reliable messaging and calling, available on phones all over the world.

WhatsApp which started as an alternative to SMS was founded by Jan Koum and Brian Acton who had previously spent 20 years combined at Yahoo.

WhatsApp joined Facebook in 2014, but continues to operate as a separate app with a focus on building a messaging service that works fast and reliably anywhere in the world.