WhatsApp Calls on Android are not free!

The WhatsApp has provided a new update which allows users to enjoy calling facility on the portal.

The application features this options only in the version of 2.12.5, or higher. Users have to download this update from the Android market/ Play Store, or download the update via computer from their website.

One interesting feature of the WhatsApp call is that, it is not free. The application eats more of data to provide a good quality conversation. On an average, a minute of WhatsApp call costs around 0.15 MB to 0.20 MB of 3G data. This means a five minute call costs around 1 MB of 3G data. The call quality on a 3G networks is much better when compared to on the 2G network, as the latter consumes more data than the former, and above that has some disturbances and lags in the course of the conversation.

Without mobile internet plans, the standard data rates for most operators are 4p /10 KB (3G) and 10p / 10 KB (2G). This roughly translates to Re 1 per minute of WhatsApp call on 3G and Rs 2.50 per minute on 2G network.

The new version of the application provides a different view of the home screen, with options such as calls and conversations. It also keeps memory of the call records and provides a new shortcut way to view a profile of one's contact.

During a WhatsApp call, if the user gets a regular call on his smart phone, then the WhatsApp call runs in background for a few seconds and gets disconnected on its own.

The calling feature will arrive for iOS and Windows Phone later.