WhatsApp video calling launched; 160 million Indian users set to exploit new feature

NEW DELHI: WhatsApp is serious about its business. Meeting its goal to help as many people as possible stay in touch with friends, family, and others they care about, WhatsApp launched its video calling option in India yesterday. Commenting about the launch Jan Koum, CEO & Co-Founder, WhatsApp, said, “Video calling is one of the most requested features from people in India. We're proud to have the opportunity to launch this feature in India, where we now have 160 million users, and we look forward to seeing people use WhatsApp to talk to their friends and loved ones face to face.”

WhatsApp started its services with messaging and Group Chat. The company recently introduced voice calling. With video calling as next step, WhatsApp expects more than its one billion users to make video calls across Android, iPhone, and Windows devices.

Koum further said, “We’re introducing this feature because we know that sometimes voice and text just aren’t enough. There’s 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’ve 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.”