WhatsApp just gave you a reason to uninstall Skype and Facebook Messenger
WHATSAPP – the world's most popular messaging app – now allows users on Android, iOS and Windows Phone to make and receive video calls using their mobile device.
WhatsApp users will soon have a new way to get in contact with their family and friends.
The mobile and web messaging app has confirmed that it will be launching video calls across the service.
From today, WhatsApp users across the globe will be able to make video calls on their Android, iPhone or Windows devices – all for free.
WhatsApp says that making a video call is easy to set up and start using.
Users simply need to open a chat and tap the existing call icon, where they will be given the choice of starting a voice call or video call - and that's all there is to it.
However WhatsApp customers will need to be aware that their calls will use up their data allowance, so they'll need to be sure they don't run up large data bills unexpectedly.
In order to use the new feature, which was first teased in a beta release last month, both users will need to have the latest version of WhatsApp, which is available to download now.
The company said in a blog post, "We’re introducing this feature because we know that sometimes voice and text just aren’t enough.
"There’s no substitute for watching your grandchild take her first steps, or seeing your daughter’s face while she’s studying abroad.
"And we want to make these features available to everyone."
WhatsApp introduced voice calls back in April 2015 as it looked to take on the likes of Skype and LINE.
Today's news is the latest feature introduced by the company as it looks to provide wider service for its one billion plus customers around the world.
Last week, WhatsApp revealed it was introducing two-factor authentication security for the app, making it safer and more secure to use.
2FA adds an extra level of security to an app or service by introducing two distinct methods of logging in to an account in order to ensure only the account holder can access it.