WhatsApp to soon launch group voice, video calling feature

The latest beta version of WhatsApp features a group calling feature.

WhatsApp currently supports voice and video calls for one-on-one chats only (Reuters)

WhatsApp is inching closer to introducing the much-awaited voice and video calling functionality on the messaging platform. The latest beta version of WhatsApp has a new feature which allows calling option on groups. WhatsApp introduced voice and video calling features back in 2015, but it has remained exclusive to one-on-one conversations.

WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.18.39 comes with the option to add members to a voice or video call on your respective groups, reports WABetainfo. The screenshots show the voice call screen open with the video icon at the bottom. There's an option to add members to the call which is located on the top right corner of the screen.

WhatsApp beta for Android 2.18.39: new option to add participants in a group call 🔥 [***AVAILABLE IN FUTURE***] pic.twitter.com/XtAzxiSAhQ

— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) February 5, 2018

The second screen shows the group members who are participating in the call. Next to the contact names there's a video option which can be tapped on to add those members for video call. This feature will possibly give group administrators the authority to add whichever members they wish for voice or video calls.

This new feature is currently in beta mode, and need not necessarily roll out as a stable update. However, voice and video calls for WhatsApp groups have been rumored quite extensively in the past few months. There have been hints and sightings of group calls on previous WhatsApp beta versions as well. But this is the first proper evidence of the feature being tested.

On similar lines, WhatsApp has also been testing the option to switch to a video call during a voice call. At present, voice and video calls function separately. With this feature, WhatsApp users will be able to switch from voice to video calls depending on their connectivity strength.

WhatsApp has been actively introducing new features on the messaging app with the most recent ones being Live Location sharing, WhatsApp Business, and more. It shouldn't be long till WhatsApp rolls out voice and video calls for group chats as well.