A Whatsapp App page is seen on Facebook on a Samsung Galaxy S4 phone
IN PHOTO: A Whatsapp App page is seen on Facebook on a Samsung Galaxy S4 phone in the central Bosnian town of Zenica, February 20, 2014. Facebook Inc will buy fast-growing mobile-messaging startup WhatsApp for $19 billion in cash and stock in a landmark deal that places the world's largest social network closer to the heart of mobile communications and may bring younger users into the fold. Reuters/Dado Ruvic

Android users with WhatsApp now have access to the messaging app’s new voice-calling feature. Although the update was first rolled out in February, only a few smartphone users were able to enjoy it since it was invitation-only.

CNET has just confirmed that all Android units can now enjoy the new voice call feature of WhatsApp. However, the feature might not be available with the version that is currently on display at the Google Play Store.

The WhatsApp version that can be found at the Play Store is version 2.12.19. Although this version includes the voice call feature, it is only available as an APK file, which means that it will not be easy to install once downloaded straight from Google Play. Those who want to get it may download it from WhatsApp.com or through APK Mirror.

Once the app is downloaded, there is a new tab tagged as Calls, which can be seen right next to the Chats and Contacts tab. To call a contact, the user must click the Calls tab and simply select the name of the person to be called.

The 2.12.5, is an older version that, according to The Next Web, enables the feature. However, other sources have insisted that the voice call feature does not work as well as it should with the app’s older version.

With this new voice call feature, WhatsApp has upped its ante and is now at par with its competitors, such as FaceTime or iMessage, Viber and Skype, as reported by Forbes. It was actually launched last month in its beta form to a small group of people. Shortly after its beta testing period, it was made available on an invitation-only basis.

WhatsApp was purchased by Facebook for $19 billion. It started as a simple text and voice messaging app. It was only revealed during last year’s Mobile World Congress by the company’s co-founder Jan Koum that the voice calling feature will first be released for Android and iPhone units, and will be rolled out later to Windows and BlackBerry smartphones.

For feedback/questions, please contact reporter at doctormarieathena@yahoo.com.

RELATED STORIES