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The WhatsApp feature you’ve been dying for is finally here… if you use Android

Published Mar 31st, 2015 4:20PM EDT
WhatsApp Calling Android
Image: Fast Company

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Wireless carriers have one more reason to hate WhatsApp, as Facebook’s popular messaging platform is about to get even better… and more potentially threatening to their bottom lines.

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The WhatsApp Call feature brings unlimited voice calling to users with an Android device and the app update can be downloaded directly from the company’s website, in case it’s not already available via the Google Play Store.

Rolled out for testing a few weeks ago, the feature was available to any WhatsApp user who either received an invite for it or a call from someone with access to it.

iIn order for WhatsApp Call to work you obviously need Internet access on your mobile device. The company also recommends an unlimited data plan if you can’t stick to Wi-Fi. Furthermore, WhatsApp says the feature will work on any smartphone running at least Android 2.1, but tablets aren’t supported at this time.

It’s not clear when WhatsApp iOS users who don’t manually download the new version will receive the update, but it’s likely that the iPhone app will also get the same functionality in the near future.

According to data shared in early January, WhatsApp has more than 700 million monthly users who are sending more than 30 billion texts a day. Many of them will certainly appreciate this voice calling feature on top of unlimited WhatsApp texting, especially when it comes to making long-distance calls.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.