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WhatsApp rolls out video calling to some users

By Ben R.

Updated: Oct 25, 2016, 6:16 AM

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WhatsApp rolls out video calling to some users

WhatsApp is one of the world's most popular IM services and while it's relatively versatile, new features continue to be added at regular intervals. Many of its competitors tout face-to-face chat right off the bat, and finally, WhatsApp seems to have gotten the memo. The feature is trickling out to some users, though if your device hasn't yet caught on, there may be a way for you to help things along.

The video calling feature is pretty self-explanatory, and functions much like WhatsApp's voice calls. If you try to start a video call with a contact bereft of the updated version, it will just process as a normal voice call, but it shouldn't be long before the wider community is brought up to speed.

It's clear that WhatsApp has been testing this feature in beta versions for Windows and Android in recent times. Those rocking the latest beta on Android should be able to get started right away. Android Police suggests that wiping the WhatsApp app data and logging back into the app thereafter may force activation of the video calling feature. Take this step at your own risk, though, and be sure to back up your chats first.

So, if you're on Android, at least, you can expect WhatsApp video calling to reach you very soon if it hasn't already. There's no word on Windows Phone or iPhone just yet, but it's reasonable to assume given the beta activity that each of the three major platforms will imminently see the face-to-face conferencing update.

Be sure to let us know in the comments whether you've been able to get up and running with video calls through WhatsApp.