WhatsApp is continuing its move away from the simple instant messaging application it was launched as, to a richer communications platform. A new report says the app will be adding a call back feature and voicemail support. It may soon allow users to start sharing ZIP files too. It was only in March that the developers tweaked it to enable document sharing, leading many to feel it’s getting pretty close to replacing basic email.
According to the latest report, Android and iOS users will apparently be able to see a Call Back option in their notifications center whenever they miss a call received through WhatsApp. The button will allow folks to dial up the person whose call they were unable to attend, without opening the messenger application. It’s great for consumers as well as the service. For one, people will not have to launch WhatsApp in order to find out if they missed a call or who rang them up.
The Call Back button will also ensure users are engaged with WhatsApp as much as possible even when they don’t have it open on their phone. Sneaky, sneaky. The new leak additionally mentions Record Voice Mail and Send Voice Mail buttons which will appear during a voice call on iOS. These are expected to let users record in-call audio and share them with their contacts. Word is that soon video calling for iPhone could make its way to the application too, via the next big update.
Also see: WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption may soon be illegal in India
Facebook seems to have ambitious plans for the future of WhatsApp, and why not? It’s a popular application that swept in to fulfill the need for a cross platform communications tool at a time when BBM was strutting around as a data-based messenger app exclusive to BlackBerry users. Its ease of use and handy nature continue to serve consumers across the globe. And best of all, it’s free.