The only thing that kept WhatsApp behind its rivals Skype and Viber is the free calls that they provide, that is not provided by WhatsApp.
Currently, Skype charges 1.7 cents per minute and Viber charges 1.9 cents for calls made within U.S.
It is considered that WhatsApp may charge much less than these apps, which has led to an increased interest in WhatsApp Once again.
WhatsApp already has a huge user base of 600 million users and has seen another 15% growth on being acquired by facebook.
The top competitors of WhatsApp are Skype, BlackBerry Messenger, Viber and WeChat.
However, the app is much different than the rest of the competitors, mainly because there are no annoying ads or distractions like games and stickers. WhatsApp is economical when it comes to bandwidth usage and does not use much.
Clear videos can be shared with this service and you need not worry about your phone not being able to send it. The app works on most devices so the call service can be used easily.
If WhatsApp really comes up with calling facilities for people, then the user base is sure to double soon.
As per Jan Koum, CEO of WhatsApp mentioned that the updated version of this application with all such facilities would be available later and would be launched for Nokia, Microsoft and Blackberry devices.
The incoming notification would be by way of a ringtone, that ofcourse can be set by the user. Any internet based call made from this setup is expected to be free. How the application would manage this is yet to be known.
A speakerphone and a mute button are also expected to be added. This feature if added, would be a huge source of savings for the users, as they would not have to pay for calls made to friends or relatives.
The yearly charge of $0.99 that you pay to WhatsApp you will find, is a very small amount as compared to what the charge incurred by you on calling someone through your telecom service provider is.
If WhatsApp does come up with this feature in future, then it would involve the following advantages:
• Clarity in sound
• Recordable conversation.
• Ability to make Local, National and International calls.
• Easy switch to GPRS while on call.
• Readily available connections.
All photos and videos that you wish to send are also limitless in size as of now. Videos and pictures need not be resized anymore before sending them across.
WhatsApp is already considered the best in its niche because it is user friendly and was the first of its kind. When the free call facility moves in, there would be no app to combat its massive popularity and user base.
- therem
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