Tech Updates

The WhatsApp beta for Android update (v2.16.80) via the Google Play beta testing program displays the voice calling feature, however, it isn't functional yet. To recall, the Facebook-owned messaging service had rolled out voice calling a phased manner, initially using an invite-based system before more broadly rolling it out across smartphone platforms. We wonder how the company plans to implement the service this time.

In its non-functional form, the WhatsApp interface sees no major difference with the introduction of the video calling feature. It is accessible via the call button within a conversation, with the user being shown the choice of audio call or video call.

Read more: http://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/whatsapp-video-calling-feature-spotted-in-android-beta-update-837441

On the iPhone, Google has never enjoyed the kind of direct search hook it has on Android courtesy the omnipresent search bar. The company's latest effort - Gboard, a keyboard for iOS released on Thursday - is an effort to change that.

A portmanteau of the words Google and keyboard, Gboard has features that aren't even available to Android users yet. The most important of those is the Google icon in the left top, which brings up the search bar, within the keyboard itself.

Read more: http://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/reviews/googles-gboard-could-be-the-best-iphone-keyboard-yet-837286