WhatsApp’s new “safest” video calling feature launched

WhatsApp video calling feature

By adding the video calling feature, WhatsApp is now on par with other chatting apps like Facebook Messenger, Skype, Viber and Google Hangouts / Duo.

Instant messageing App WhatsApp on Tuesday launched a video calling feature which is a highly anticipated feature because WhatsApp users have been requesting it for theyears.

Video calls made using WhatsApp are fully encrypted to prevent unauthorized access from snoopers. One of the biggest advantages that video calling on WhatsApp has is that it is cross-platform as opposed to Apple FaceTime — which works on just iOS devices. It means, Apple user can call to Android user or Windows WhatsApp user.

WhatsApp’s one billion users will be able to make video calls on iPhone, Android and Windows Phone devices. One needs to update his WhtasApp to enable video calling feature. The user can try it out by tapping on the call icon at the top right corner of a chat. Tapping on the “video call” option starts up a video chat with that WhatsApp contact.

User can switch between front facing or rear camera of device for video calling. There is also a mute option if you do not want the receiver to hear what is being said through the microphone. And tapping on the red phone icon hangs up the call.

By adding the video calling feature, WhatsApp is now on par with other chatting apps like Facebook Messenger, Skype, Viber and Google Hangouts / Duo.

Facebook acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion in cash and stock in February 2014 and the messaging app company has been operating independently since then. WhatsApp had around 50 employees at the time of the acquisition and now there are 200. The bandwidth used to support WhatsApp’s voice and video call features are powered by Facebook’s servers.