While many people have unlimited texting, others are limited in their ability to text. This is where apps like WhatsApp come in to provide people a way to message one another without having to worry about it costing too much.
But now the popular instant messaging app has a voice feature that lets you call your WhatsApp contacts whenever you want. Rumors had been flying around about an upcoming update adding this feature to the app since WhatsApp founder Jan Koum officially announced in February of last year that his company planned to add the feature by the end of 2014's second quarter. However, delays occurred and no one heard anything about the update. But after months of waiting, WhatsApp released an exclusive update for Android users that would offer them access to this new feature.
While the audio feature is certainly helpful, it isn't really bringing anything new to the IM industry. The Next Web described the update last year as "hardly original," adding that "BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), Line, Skype and many other messaging apps have offered voice calls for some time, although given the size of WhatsApp - it now stands at 330 million daily and 465 million monthly active users, Koum announced today - it's important for the service to maintain its rapid growth by offering a feature set comparative to its rivals."
Android users who want access to the new app will have to download the latest version from Google Play. After updating the app, they'll see three tabs at the bottom labeled "Calls", "Contacts" and "Chat." If users click on Calls, a call button will appear at the top of the screen, which they can select to call any of their WhatsApp contacts.
WhatsApp has not revealed when it will release an iOS version of the app.
