Now, a Netherlands based Android focused website, androidworld.nl has published alleged screenshots of a build of the WhatsApp that offers calling features. Perhaps the build is being used by testers or employees and the features will be included in the official build when it's finally announced. The alleged screenshots show what could be the future calling features of WhatsApp.
The update could still be in beta version so it's not released on the Google Play Store. There seems to be separate screens for call logs and ongoing calls and dialing a voice call. We're not sure if these images are legit but we don't doubt that there is a beta build somewhere. The only question now is when the official version would roll out. It’s difficult to verify the authenticity of the screenshots and WhatsApp has not confirmed that it's testing it via beta builds. According to WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum, the delay in rolling out voice calling feature was due to technical hurdles that developers were facing. He had said that the service had been delayed till Q1 2015, speaking at an industry conference in October.
The voice calling feature will bring WhatsApp in direct clash with apps like WeChat, Viber and Line that already allow users to make calls and send messages. It is unclear whether WhatsApp plans to offer voice calls as a premium feature. WhatsApp rivals, such as Viber, Skype and Line already offer voice calling as a free feature, so it makes sense for WhatsApp to release the new feature for free.
