WhatsApp begins testing voice calling feature over 3G and Edge in India

[Justin Kahn]

After nearly a year of waiting since the first we heard of the feature, we recently spotted reports of voice calling appearing for some WhatsApp users in India. Today, more information has surfaced from BGR India saying WhatsApp has begun beta testing internet voice calling inside its app with a select group of users. The outlet received a voice call from WhatsApp’s Neeraj Arora apparently checking the audio quality of the feature.

As we previously mentioned, the addition comes along with UI changes in the way of a new video calling tab with your typical call history/activity details. We previously saw evidence of the app on Android devices only, but according to BGR the call feature is being tested on iOS and will be available on both platforms once the company is “satisfied with its performance.”

In hands on tests over 3G and Edge networks, both very popular options in emerging markets where WhatsApp dominates, reports suggested excellent call quality. 

There is no word on whether or not the beta feature is still being spread from user to user the way initial reports suggested, but it is now clear that WhatsApp voice calling is officially coming. Whether or not all 700 million of its users get it right at launch is still unclear.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/59674-whatsapp-begins-testing-voice-calling-feature-over-3g.html

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

Hopefully it'll work over WiFi as well.

 

[Puiu]

Hopefully it'll work over WiFi as well.

Of course it works over WiFi, the problem is getting the sound quality right for low bandwidth networks (aka slow 3G).

 

[hitech0101]

Waiting for this to roll out to everyone. Hope Telecoms don't ruin it by reclassifying voice data packets as a different add on pack and apply charges to data voice calling.

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

Of course it works over WiFi, the problem is getting the sound quality right for low bandwidth networks (aka slow 3G).

The problem is getting it to work first. Apparently, at the moment you have to receive a call 1st before being able to make one, good luck with that one. Anyway that'll be sorted out before it's available to everyone so it should be a non issue.