In April of this year, reports surfaced indicating that WhatsApp was developing an in-app dialer to simplify placing calls directly through the platform. Globally, users prefer WhatsApp for both messaging and calling. Previously, initiating calls on WhatsApp could be challenging if the contact's number wasn't saved on the phone. However, this upcoming feature aims to address that issue.
According to a report from WA Beta Info, users enrolled in the WhatsApp beta program are now testing a new floating action button within the calls tab, courtesy of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.13.17 update, available on the Google Play Store. This update introduces an in-app dialer feature, allowing beta testers to initiate calls swiftly using a floating action button within the calls tab. This eliminates the need to add contacts to the address book or manually start a conversation to make a call.
The introduction of the in-app dialer promises to enhance user experience significantly by enabling voice calls directly through WhatsApp using internet data. This method is often more cost-effective than traditional cellular network calls, especially for international communication. Users with access to Wi-Fi or affordable data plans stand to benefit the most.
Moreover, the in-app dialer streamlines the calling process. Users can input a phone number directly and choose to save it as a new contact or add it to an existing contact card. Additionally, there's a messaging shortcut on the dialer screen, allowing users to send messages to numbers they intended to call but opted to message instead. Furthermore, the feature alerts users if the entered phone number is registered on WhatsApp, providing instant feedback on the contact's WhatsApp availability.
The new in-app dialer feature is currently available to select beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store. It is expected to roll out to a broader user base in the coming days, facilitating wider testing and feedback collection.
