Meta-owned popular chatting app WhatsApp might soon be able to make voice calls directly through the app, thanks to a new feature currently in development.
Feature Yet to Reach Beta Testers
WhatsApp is reportedly working on integrating a new feature into its platform that will allow users to make voice calls using the in-app dialer. However, this feature has not yet been rolled out for users participating in the Google Play beta program.
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Details of the Dialer Feature
The functions of the in-app dialer have not been made public yet, but it seems to be aimed at allowing users to call even numbers they do not have listed as contacts. The discovery was made when WABetaInfo, an information website on WhatsApp for Android, looked at version 2.24.9.28 when it was still in beta.
Potential Transformation of WhatsApp
Considering its implementation allows the company to take a big step forward, becoming no longer a simple messaging service but one with more multi-purpose functionality. The concept of calling numbers outside of user-saved numbers is a feature that should be included. It is similar to a classic dialer, with a green call button and a phonebook containing numbers and letters.
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Purpose Behind the Dialer
The exact reasoning behind introducing the in-app dialer is unclear. However, it is anticipated that the feature will be enhanced by enabling users to call memorized numbers easily without the hassle of searching through their contact list.
Potential Use Case
One possible application of this feature could be to facilitate calls without the need to save contacts on the phone. Last year, WhatsApp introduced a feature that allows users to chat without saving contact details. An in-app dialer can extend this functionality, being particularly useful for temporary calls such as arranging a meeting, confirming delivery times, or setting up appointments.
By eliminating the need to save contacts for one-off calls, this new feature is expected to streamline the user experience on WhatsApp, making it more efficient and user-friendly.
