WhatsApp calling is finally en route to Windows Phone

posted by Ben R.

May 29, 2015, 7:22 AM

WhatsApp calling is finally en route to Windows Phone

The beta version of instant-messaging service WhatsApp has just added the in-app calling feature that was recently brought to the corresponding apps for iOS and Android.

Microsoft has remained dedicated in its efforts to push Windows Phone into contention with iOS and Android in the mobile space, but one ever-present stumbling block for the company has been the general lack of developer enthusiasm for its platform. Social media apps, in particular, have struggled to make the jump from the Big Two. The Windows Phone Store does not yet have a Snapchat app, for example, and it took an unholy amount of time for Instagram -- still in beta, by the way -- to finally reach the tiled interface.

Those rocking a Windows Phone device seeking WhatsApp's calling service shouldn't be left sitting on their hands for much longer, though, given that the feature has just rolled out to beta testers. Presumably, those trialling the beta will ensure that any lingering bugs are duly ironed out, and the full-on, not-in-beta WhatsApp for Windows Phone will subsequently reap the benefits.

So, if you are part of WhatsApp Beta testing on Redmond's platform, the latest version 2.12.38 is said to add the calling feature. There's no ETA for the end-user implementation as yet, but hopefully, it won't be too long before the general public is able to indulge in some native WhatsApp VoIP functionality.