WhatsApp voice calling tested

WhatsApp re-opened the “invitation” window for its voice calling service on 11 March 2014, making it possible for Android users to give one another access to the feature.

To unlock WhatsApp voice calling you have to install a new version of the app that is not currently available on Google Play.

A copy of the package file, called an APK, is available from APKMirror. Those interested in testing WhatsApp voice calling will need to download version 2.11.561 of the app.

Once you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed, you must receive a WhatsApp voice call from someone who has already been enabled.

After the call has rung, the user interface of WhatsApp will change to allow you to place calls.

Receiving (left) and making (right) a WhatsApp voice call

Hands-on tested

WhatsApp’s voice calling feature is easy to use, and for the most part the audio quality was good so long as there was a decent data connection.

Figuring out how to answer and make calls is simple, thanks to an interface that sticks to established norms.

To answer or reject a call, you swipe in the direction indicated (right for yes, left for no), to disconnect you push the big red button.

To use your speaker, mute the microphone, or text chat, you tap the relevant buttons on screen.

Once WhatsApp voice calling has been enabled, the main interface for the app will change, displaying three tabs instead of just the active chats view.

These three tabs are: Calls, Chats, and Contacts.

WhatsApp voice call tab view (left) and notification widget (right)

The calls tab holds your call history, allowing you to call someone you spoke to recently by tapping on their name.

Chats has all your active text messaging sessions, while the contacts tab lists the people from your device’s contacts who are also on WhatsApp.

Two call buttons have been added to the user interface: one appears inside contact cards, the other in the “Calls” tab.

In short: WhatsApp has built a straight-forward voice over IP service into its popular mobile instant messaging app.

The only remaining questions — which are no doubt haunting mobile operators — is the platforms WhatsApp voice calling will be available on, and the launch dates.

WhatsApp has been silent on this, but considering the feature is now being used by many Android users, the official launch isn’t expected to be far off.

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