Leaks of WhatsApp have been making rounds on the Web, and it looks like the Facebook-owned messaging app will be getting support for multiple tabs in chat and a video calling feature soon enough.
Previous rumors suggest that the company has been working on a couple of new features, and it seems that those were pertaining to these developments.
According to a report (Google Translated) published by Macerkopf.de, a German website for Apple news, the current version of WhatsApp for iOS on the App Store is 2.12.12, and the version that's going to bring the video calling feature is allegedly 2.12.16.2, which is likely the upcoming update. This could mean that iOS will be getting the function earlier than Android.
When the update rolls out, there's a pretty big chance that users will be able to make and take video calls using Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
As for the interface, there appears to be a small overlapping window that'll let a user see his or her own image. Apparently, it can be moved and dragged around the screen. Moreover, users will be able to switch between the rear-facing camera and front-facing shooter and mute the microphone if needed.
Meanwhile, the developers are also adding in support for multiple chat tabs, allowing users to easily switch around conversations without having to return to the chat list on WhatsApp – talk about convenience! On top of that, the app is expected to get a redesign, and the company is said to be focusing on the color green.
When WhatsApp introduced VoIP (voice over IP), the company reportedly started to develop the aforementioned features after a few weeks. If this bit of news holds true, it could indicate that the update is well under way.
In related news, starred messages and rich link previews landed on the messaging app back in November, providing users the capability to find messages easier.
To keep the ball rolling, the Android version just received a slew of new emojis earlier this month, including a popcorn box, a shamrock, a taco, a burrito and many others. Also, the update brought about a set of LGBT emojis, which shows support to the corresponding community.
It seems that WhatsApp is getting things off the ground to make yet another impact in the messaging platform scene, taking on rivals such as Skype and Viber, to name a few. With the video calling feature and support for multiple chat tabs, the messaging app will become an even bigger contender in the competition.
