Messaging app Snapchat is working on audio-video calling: Report

Snapchat is working on a new feature —internally called ChatV2 — that makes the video chatting feature more prominent and accessible. 9to5Google reports that even though Snapchat has a video chat feature since 2014, developers have managed to get their hands on yet to release features by digging into the app’s code.

Snapchat seems to be experimenting with its UI and features to match those of popular messaging app — Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Hangouts — to cultivate some mainstream appeal and attract more users. (XDA)

Snapchat is working on a new feature —internally called ChatV2 — that makes the video chatting feature more prominent and accessible. 9to5Google reports that even though Snapchat has a video chat feature since 2014, developers have managed to get their hands on yet to release features by digging into the app's code.

The new UI modification makes calls seem much like those on Hangouts or Facebook Messenger. You can share photos, stickers from the bottom half of the chat screen and the menu bar — between the chat box and keyboard area -- give you the option to make calls (audio/video).

Snapchat has always been the odd-one-out with its self-destructing messages and time-sensitve sharing options. It's that one messaging platform that most don't quite understand. But, that cloak of mystery has managed to keep it unique and intriguing. Now, Snapchat seems to be experimenting with its UI and features to match those of popular messaging app — Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Hangouts — to cultivate some mainstream appeal and attract more users.

With the new hidden features, which we hope to see go public soon, Snapchat seems to be embracing the mainstream layout as its USP takes a backseat.