WhatsApp Video Calling Feature: Now spotted in Beta Update

The much anticipated Video Calling feature for WhatsApp can be seen on the WhatsApp beta for Android update (v2.16.80). This can be found through the Google Play beta testing program and it displays the voice calling feature. However, the feature isn’t functional yet. This points to the fact that the company is taking the feature very seriously and some work on it is still pending, post which, it will be rolled out through an update. The Facebook-owned messaging service had rolled out voice calling in a phased manner, initially using an invite-based system. It could do the same for the video calling feature too.

In its non-functional form, the WhatsApp messaging interface sees no major difference. It is accessible via the same call button within a conversation, with the user being shown the choice of either an audio call or a video call. However, the excitement comes to an end when you try to place a video call. You are greeted with a message saying “Couldn’t place call. Video Calling is unavailable at this time.” Major rumours about the rollout of WhatsApp Video Calling had increased by leaps and bounds in the recent past, with one of the most recent showing the exact same “Couldn’t place call” screen we see now from a leaked WhatsApp translation request. The leak can be seen here.

WhatsApp has been slowly expanding the list of its features, with several updates in the recent past bringing features like end-to-end encryption, document sharing, and the much talked about text formatting. It is currently expected to soon bring voicemail, call back, and even zip file sharing support. The messaging service this week also released its first desktop apps, making WhatsApp available for Windows and OS X users in a non-browser form. The earlier WhatsApp for Web needed a browser to perform.