WhatsApp has now opened its new calling feature to all users in the software’s latest Android update.
As of version 2.12.19, WhatsApp users will be able to call any of their contacts over an internet connection.
The feature originally entered testing last year, although it was only available through an invite-only trial.
Initially, you could ‘invite’ someone to the service by calling a user, which would then activate the feature on their device.
As soon as you’re updated to the latest WhatsApp version, however, you’ll be able to access the feature, regardless of having been called by another user.
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If you want to access the new update, you can do so through two methods; either download the new software courtesy of the Google Play store, or install the .apk file from elsewhere.
Once you’re updated, you’ll then see a Calls tab in the top menu of the app, with a ‘plus’ button added to initiate calls.
The actual calling interface is fairly standard, with speakerphone, mute and chat-switch options all on offer.
It’s worth noting that the feature doesn’t seem to have gone live on the iOS version of the app, although co-founder Brian Acton says the update should come to the platform within the coming weeks.
Will you be ditching your cellular network for Wi-Fi calling from now on? Let us know in the comments.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
