WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in the world, but it still lacks one of the basic features most messaging apps have available -voice over IP (VoIP). This allows users to call through broadband, instead of using a cellular connection.

VoIP and call recording will be part of WhatsApp next big update, scheduled to hit sometime this month. The update will be a change in visual design too, according to insiders. WhatsApp has often been labelled boring, due to the minimal effort they put into customizing their app.

Like Us on Facebook

WhatsApp will fit VoIP into the app as a prominent feature, pushing the idea of voice calling on the service. Skype, Tango, Viber, Google Hangouts and even Facebook Messenger already have built in voice calling.

The other update, call recording, is a more controversial change. The U.S. does not allow one party on a voice call to record the other without the other party knowing. If WhatsApp to implement this without the other parties notice, it might cause problems.

Outside of the U.S., it is mostly legal. Being able to record calls is often what journalists or customer support representatives do in order to reference the call later. Normally, personal calls are not recorded, for obvious reasons.

WhatsApp may have some new features to make the call recording seem interesting. Right now, it seems unneccesary and potentially dangerous. It might make people think twice about voice calling if they are concerned about being recorded.

Facebook acquired WhatsApp in 2013 for $19 billion and finally got the deal accepted in the European court last month. WhatsApp will remain separate from Facebook for now, although it is expected that users will be able to "sign up through Facebook" before too long.

TagsWhatsApp, VoIP, call recording, messaging apps