WHATSAPP VIDEO CALLING IS HERE. Will its hype be the end of Skype?

Rumors have been flying left right and center hinting  the introduction of video calls  on Whatsapp, a feature that has been long overdue, given the its widespread usage across the globe. Well, video calls on Whatsapp is now a reality that has come to pass with the launch set to support every device that runs Whatsapp.

Since last year, the scuttlebutt about Whatsapp video calls being introduced has left tongues wagging and users expectant. It was finally a relief when Whatsapp launched the feature to beta users, as recent as three weeks ago. This was a sure indication that Whatsapp Video call for everyone was in the offing. This is viewed by many as a move that has been stalled for a longer timer than expected given Whatsapp’s popularity and its large user base.

This comes after Facebook acquired Whatsapp at a time when its growth was immense as a communication platform. Applications like Viber and Facebook messenger have had the bragging rights for a while, being the major platforms that have been letting users video call. Mark Zuckerberg in post on Facebook acknowledged how dire the feature was needed and it was now time to deliver. The post, dated 15^th November, stated, “Today we’re bringing video calling to Whatsapp. Voice calling has grown quickly and video calling has been one of our community‘s top requests. We’ve been working on it for a while to make sure it works even in places without a strong network”

You will be able to video call after updating your application to the latest version and this call can be initiated by clicking onto a specific contact on Whatsapp and further clicking the call button which will give you the option to video call or voice call. For a successful connection, the called party should have also updated their Whatsapp to the latest version. You can also click onto the profile picture avatar and click onto the video call icon .

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This might be a party pooper for the likes of Microsoft’s Skype and Apple’s Facetime given they will be put users in a conundrum with regards to “who“ presides over video calls. With whatsapp promising a seamless communication even in areas without a muscular network, it might actually give skype Facetime and Viber a run for its money.

update your whatsapp today and engage your friends and family in Video calls.

THE SNAPCHAT EFFECT THAT IS ABOUT TO BE FELT ON WHATSAPP CAMERA.

Snapchat is a renowned social application that seems to be running the social media space after its popularity became something to fuss over, at least up to now.

   

Snapchat's ripple effect is being felt on popular applications that run the social interactions and applications such as Facebook's Messenger and Instagram have been on the forefront to give users a taste of the Snapchat experience in a raw yet cloned form. With users embracing the changes with a sense of appetite to use these new features the use of Snapchat features is being replicated in even more applications.

Whatsapp is the latest application to borrow a leaf from Snapchat by using some of Snapchat's camera features.

The new feature on Whatsapp allows for users to make those custom colored or plain drawings on images and videos before sending them. The drawings are made using your finger. One can also add a plain or colored text to their media prior to sending. If you have used Snapchat before that is one cheeky loan Whatsapp took from Snapchat. 

As if that is not enough, Whatsapp decided to add even more valor to its camera by adding a few more features whose functionalities are synonymous with Snapchat.  Such other features include; a secondary (selfie) camera with a user interface that can illuminate bright light from the screen in cases of poor lighting for a better detailed photo. The zoom function has also been tweaked and now you will be able to adjust the zoom by sliding your finger up and down. You can also easily switch between the secondary and the primary camera.

Snapchat is impacting most applications acquired by Facebook and this gives it the bragging rights to act as the trendsetter. If your plan was to dodge Snapchat all along because you thought it was uncool, then surely the chickens have come home to roost.

To get a feel of the entire experience you could also chose to just use Snapchat to explore the intricacies right from the source.
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