Instant messaging service, WhatsApp, is reportedly testing a video calling service. If leaked screenshots are to be believed, then the interface of WhatsApp’s video calling service will be similar to that of its voice calling service. The screenshots reveal that the user will have the option to mute a conversation, as well as switch between the front and rear-facing camera. According to leaks, WhatsApp version 2.12.16.2 for iOS is being used by developers and beta testers to test the video calling service on WhatsApp. In addition to video calling, WhatsApp is also rumoured to be testing a multi-tab UI, which will help users switch between conversations with ease.
There is no information available about the launch of video chat and multi tab services on WhatsApp. The popular messaging service rolled out its voice calling service back in March 2015 for Android, and was subsequently launched for iOS, Windows Phone and BlackBerry.
WhatsApp has 900 million monthly active users as of September 2015. One of the key features missing from WhatsApp has been video calling, which is presently available in other services like Google Hangouts, Skype and Facebook Messenger, among other third party services. Apple has its own proprietary video-calling service called FaceTime, which is restricted within Apple devices only.
In October 2015, WhatsApp announced the ability to back up conversations, photos and videos to Google Drive. Recently, WhatsApp was updated to support 3D touch on the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus.