WhatsApp introduces video calling feature to platform

WhatsAPP in the next couple of days will introduce video calling features to its platform, a statement has said.
The statement was issued by Red Media Africa, the PR and Empowerment Marketing division under the parent brand, RED.
It quoted WhatsApp, the instant messaging apps as saying that over one billion users would be able to make video calls across iOS, Windows and Android platforms.
It said: “With excitement, WhatsApp is announcing its latest feature – WhatsApp video calling, in the next couple of days.
“We’re introducing this feature because we know that sometimes voice and text just are not enough.
“There is no substitute for watching your grandchild take her first steps, or seeing your daughter’s face while she’s studying abroad.
“And 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.
“Over the years, we have received many requests from our users for video calling, and we’re excited to finally offer this feature to the world.
“Thank you for using WhatsApp, and we promise to keep working hard every day to improve the service.”
WhatsApp’s said its goal had always been to help as many people as possible stay in touch with friends, family, and others they care about.
According to it: “That means making a product that is simple, easy to use, and accessible no matter where you are.”
It added that the company started with messaging and Group Chat, then added voice calling, in a way that works across thousands of device and platform combinations all over the world.
More than one billion people in over 180 countries use WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, anytime and anywhere.
WhatsApp is free and offers simple, secure, reliable messaging and calling, available on phones all over the world and the name WhatsApp is a pun on the phrase “What’s Up” and data charges may apply.
It said: “WhatsApp started as an alternative to SMS. Our product now supports sending and receiving a variety of media: text, photos, videos, documents, and location, as well as voice calls.
“Our messages and calls are secured with end-to-end encryption, meaning that no third party including WhatsApp can read or listen to them.
“Behind every product decision is our desire to let people communicate anywhere in the world without barriers.”
WhatsApp was founded by Jan Koum and Brian Acton who had previously spent 20 years combined at Yahoo.
WhatsApp joined Facebook in 2014, but continues to operate as a separate app with a laser focus on building a messaging service that works fast and reliably anywhere in the world.