WhatsApp is reportedly developing an in-app dialler feature, allowing users to make voice calls directly through the platform.
Currently in the developmental phase, this feature has not yet been released to participants in the Google Play beta programme. While the specifics of the dialler's capabilities remain undisclosed, it's speculated to enable users to initiate calls to numbers not stored in their contact list.
Alongside this, WhatsApp is said to be working on a nearby file-sharing feature.
The feature was identified by WABetaInfo in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.24.9.28. Although not accessible to beta testers at present, the tracker anticipates its potential introduction in upcoming updates.
If introduced, this dialler could transform WhatsApp from merely a voice and video calling platform to one that emulates a conventional calling service, facilitating calls to unsaved contacts.
Accompanying the report was a screenshot showcasing the feature. In appearance, it resembles a conventional dialler with a green calling icon and a layout familiar to users, featuring numbers and alphabets.
While the primary purpose behind the dialler's development remains unconfirmed, one plausible reason could be to simplify the process of calling frequently dialed numbers without navigating through the entire contact list. This could be particularly useful for situations where users need to make temporary calls, such as coordinating meetings, tracking deliveries, or scheduling appointments.
Additionally, this feature might be an extension of WhatsApp's existing capability introduced last year, enabling chats with contacts not saved in the user's phonebook. The in-app dialler could eliminate the need for users to save such contacts, streamlining the calling process for these temporary interactions.