WhatsApp might soon be adding voice calling functionality to its smartphone application a new leak suggests.
According to a tip received by Windows Phone Central, volunteers who translate the Hindi language in India for the cross-platform messaging app received new translation requests relating to the voice calling feature.
Screenshots of the translation requests shows Hindi translation of the words “Hang Up,” “Incoming Calls” and “Outgoing Calls.”
This indicates that the voice calling feature could be a possibility very soon as usually translation takes place after most of the interface and feature development is done.
Earlier at MWC 2014, in February, WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum announced that a voice calling feature would be added to the app before the second quarter of 2014. Last month, reports revealed some leaked screenshots of the voice calling feature.
“We’re adding voice to WhatsApp so people can stay in touch with friends and loved ones no matter where they are in the world”, said Koum at MWC.
If the recent leak is to be believed than the feature might land up early than expected.
According to iPhone Italia, it was able to test the beta version of the app. The report said that WhatsApp users will be able to make voice calls via both Wi-Fi and 3G connections and that the images of the WhatsApp Voice calling app UI showcased buttons to mute the microphone, switch to speakers and end the call.
A camera button was also shown in the keyboard, which would allow users to shoot a photo or video while messaging. As per the report, the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calling can be engaged directly from the chat window.
The leaked report also confirmed that WhatsApp will ask for users’ permission to use the microphone to make calls.
The WhatsApp voice calling feature will initially be rolled out for only iOS and Android users, with Windows Phone and Blackberry to follow.
