Popular messaging service WhatsApp rolled out voice calling to iOS, Android and Windows Phone earlier this year. Facebook Messenger and Viber have already been offering video calling. WhatsApp was rumored to be working on video calling feature for months to catch up with rivals. Though we don’t know when the instant messaging app will bring video calling, leaked images show that the feature is indeed in the works.
WhatsApp needs to catch up with rivals
German Apple blog Macerkopf.de has obtained a couple of leaked screenshots that show full-screen video calling in a beta version of WhatsApp iOS app. The images have fueled speculations that the feature could be pushed out to users in the coming days or weeks. Video calling is expected to work on both cellular and WiFi connections, just like Viber, Facebook Messenger, Apple FaceTime and Skype.
Leaked images show that the video feed from the caller appears full screen, while you can see a small preview window of your own video on top of it. Standard controls such as muting the microphone, switching between the front and rear camera, are also available. The images are from WhatsApp internal build 2.12.16.2. The most recent public release for WhatsApp for iOS carries built number 2.12.12, which is much older than what is available to internal testers.
Switch between active chats easily
It also has a tabbed chat interface, allowing you to switch between active chats quickly and easily. Currently, users have to go back to the long list of past chat sessions to choose who they want to interact with. It will make life easier for those frequently indulging into multiple conversations simultaneously. What’s more, the beta version of WhatsApp has also been redesigned to feature the green branding more prominently.
Facebook acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion in February 2014. As of September 2015, the messaging service had 900 million monthly active users worldwide.
