Just when Android users started seeing the new video call feature appear on WhatsApp, it appears that the company decided it was not yet ready to see a public release.
WhatsApp removed the anticipated video calling feature from the beta version of its Android app on Monday.
There has been no clear reason why video calling was pulled from beta, but it's important to keep in mind that, even though many features get tested via an app's beta programs, that doesn't necessarily mean they will live to see a live launch.
Regardless of this point, the ability to hold video calls in the popular message app has been a widely buzzed-about functionality rumored to be coming to the platform.
The Facebook-owned app previously said that it would include a "Video Call" ability sometime this year. Then, earlier this month, screen shots leaked of the alleged beta version of the app for iOS that showed a video call button in the top right corner in a chat.
Some users who are part of the Google Play beta testing program began to see the video call icon appear in the Android app over the last few days. The feature was said to appear in Android beta v2.16.80.
Just like the iOS screen shots, screen shots of Android beta also revealed that users had the option to make a video call next to the icon to make an audio call.
However, even though the icon was displayed, reports said that the feature was not fully functional just yet.
Instead of rushing the new feature, the company has now decided to remove video calling from the Android beta.
With the latest version of WhatsApp beta for Android now available (v2.16.81), users can no longer see the video call button. Those who haven't updated the beta version of the app will get a message that reads, "Couldn't place call. Video Calling is unavailable at this time."
This could either mean the feature isn't ready yet, the company just wanted to do some early testing before tweaking it or that it will roll out gradually, similarly to how the company released its voice calling feature.
Video Calling is just one of many new features WhatsApp is reportedly working on, as other new features include voicemail, QR codes and NFC tags for group invites.
WhatsApp also recently launched a standalone app for PC and Macs.
Source: NDTV
Photo: downloadsource.fr | Flickr
