WhatsApp for Android Now Supports Calls, iOS is Next

The ability to make calls is a game changer for the Facebook-owned messaging company.

WhatsApp, the popular mobile messenger, is finally adding the capability to make app-to-app calls on mobile devices running Android. Although the Facebook-owned company has yet to announce the nifty feature, it is included in the latest version of WhatsApp (version 2.12.19), which is downloadable from WhatsApp’s website. There’s also an option to update or download the app from the Google Play Store.

By adding the call feature, WhatsApp is levelling the playing field. Rival messaging applications like Viber, Kakao Talk, and Line already have the feature. And, considering that WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, the social network is able to extend its coverage by keeping WhatsApp’s millions of users from using other services.

The feature has been around for a few months, although only a few devices were able to enjoy it. It appears that WhatsApp has been testing the feature on some devices. For a device to support calls, it has to receive a call from an unlocked device. Now, WhatsApp has three sections: Calls, Chats, and Contacts. The update also improved the interface. The feature is currently available for Android devices. It will arrive on iOS in the coming weeks.