JioPhone users can now call people on WhatsApp.
KaiOS, the operating system that powers JioPhone and other smart feature phones, have announced support for WhatsApp VoIP.
WhatsApp voice calling will be available for all KaiOS devices that come with at least 512MB RAM.
Until now, JioPhone and other KaiOS feature phone users were able to use text chat, voice recorded messages, media sharing with contacts on WhatsApp.
“We want to support communities who are on lighter operating systems in many places around the world.
Bringing WhatsApp voice calls to KaiOS-enabled devices helps us connect the world privately through a service that is simple, reliable and accessible to everyone – no matter what kind of mobile device they’re using” said Matt Idema, COO of WhatsApp.
To activate the new feature, KaiOS users should update the current version 2.2110.41 of WhatsApp on their devices by accepting the update notification within the app.
For new devices, the VoIP feature will be included in the latest version of WhatsApp, which is pre-installed upon shipment.
With the voice calling feature update, the app now allows voice calls over the Internet using Wi-Fi or mobile data, rather than pulling voice minutes from cellular plans.
“Together with WhatsApp, we are taking another significant step towards the goal to make essential, useful services accessible for everyone, including underserved communities, seniors looking for simple devices and those using KaiOS devices as a companion phone.
Now with the voice calling feature, users can easily place a call anytime anywhere in a cost-effective way,” said Sebastien Codeville, CEO of KaiOS Technologies.