WhatsApp Incorporating VoIP by June 2014
Recently, Facebook paid a whopping $19 billion to acquire WhatsApp. Currently a messaging application, WhatsApp is looking to implement voice over internet protocol (VoIP) by June of this year. A prime example of the growth and prosperity of VoIP in the business market today, WhatsApp already has 465 million users - all of whom will be able to make VoIP calls after WhatsApp releases an update by the second quarter of the year.
WhatsApp is a mobile messaging app that can be used for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, and Windows Phone. Similar to Skype and Facebook Messenger which have added mobile access over the years, WhatsApp was an early entrant to the mobile messaging arena, and amassed users quickly. Cell phone users who have opted for WhatsApp over SMS text messages enjoy the cost free benefits and also unlike SMS, WhatsApp users can block contacts they don’t want to receive messages from.
VoIP
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a phone system that uses cloud-based technology as opposed to analog telephone systems that traditional phones use. Using the Internet to transmit communication signals, VoIP provides efficient and cost effective communication systems for both residential and business clientele.
WhatsApp brings in VoIP services
WhatsApp prides itself on a free messaging service that has made its success merely by word-of-mouth. With so many users satisfied with the messaging product, it only makes sense that Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook creator) and Jan Koum (WhatsApp creator) are collaborating to incorporate free phone calls on the app using VoIP services. Right after the $19 billion takeover by Facebook, WhatsApp said that they will launch free VoIP calls by June. This will benefit the company and users. An app that is accessible for calling and texting, WhatsApp will allow users to both call contacts on the road or message coworkers within the office while using a fast and efficient system.
Other VoIP apps
WhatsApp’s introduction of mobile VoIP complementing messaging services is not the first time in an app ecosystem saturated with messaging apps. Viber, one of WhatsApp’s main rivals also offers unlimited voice and messaging as a part of their app. Viber allows users to make phone calls person-to-person using Wi-Fi. Viber is linked to a customized mobile number and lets recipients see results they’ll recognize. Since Viber uses Internet technology unlike traditional phone systems, Viber is known to offer more competitive rates and help clients make calls in a variety of locations. Rakuten, a Japanese online shopping group has just recently announced that it plans on buying Viber for $900 million. This is just another instance of VoIP success and how VoIP is growing exponentially in the market of telecommunications. WhatsApp and Viber are just two examples of VoIP being used in media outlets and being incorporated into new technology. Replacing traditional phone operating systems, VoIP services are becoming ubiquitous with their smoother phone lines and efficient services.