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WhatsApp introduces video call function

SINGAPORE — WhatsApp users will soon be able to make video calls across Android, iOS and Windows devices, said WhatsApp in a blog post on Tuesday (Nov 15).

A screenshot of a Whatsapp video call. Photo: Whatsapp

A screenshot of a Whatsapp video call. Photo: Whatsapp

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SINGAPORE —  WhatsApp users will soon be able to make video calls across Android, iOS and Windows devices, said WhatsApp in a blog post on Tuesday (Nov 15).

The feature rolled out on Tuesday and it is expected to reach over one billion worldwide users in the next one to two days, added WhatsApp.

To use the new video call function, users will need to update their app to the latest version and open a WhatsApp chat window and tap the call button.

A new dialog box will appear and offer the option of a standard voice call and a video call. Users can make video calls over mobile data and Wi-fi networks.

Some other features of the WhatsApp video call include the ability to switch between the front and rear cameras. Users are also able to tap on the video preview to switch between seeing themselves and the other person.

Users can also multitask with video calls, for example switching between calls and chats. 

WhatsApp also said the video call function supports “landscape mode in full screen”. "If you prefer video chatting in landscape mode, you won’t see any dark borders when you turn your phone."

According to WhatsApp, video calling is also “secure” and “end-to-end encrypted by default”.

Several other applications offer voice calls, including Facebook Messenger, Skype and Google Duo. Apple’s FaceTime app offers video calls for iOS devices. “We want to make these features available to everyone, not just those who can afford the most expensive new phones or live in countries with the best cellular networks,” said the blog post.

WhatsApp introduced the voice call function in 2015. 

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