WhatsApp rolling out in-app dialler feature

 WhatsApp unveils an in-app dialler feature          

Meta app's new feature allows user connectivity with unsaved numbers. WhatsApp is working on an in-app dialler which will allow users to call directly from the app with the help of Wifi or cellular data. Following are some of the important points:-

 WhatsApp beta version reveals a preview of a new in-app dialler for easier contact adding and faster interactions with businesses.

Dialler could streamline the calling process without saving a contact first and potentially reduce effort for one-time interactions.

This change could improve the user experience in WhatsApp for international calls.

In the last two years, the Meta-owned app has completely transformed. WhatsApp has billions of active users, but it still leaves no stone unturned in attempts to encourage user interaction and new sign-ups. The user experience has been refined finely from new chat category separation to simpler group video calls. Moreover, the tech giant plans to introduce a convenience feature for all its users. It is reportedly developing an in-app dialler which allows users to make calls directly from the app without saving a number. We recently reported on a new prompt in the app encouraging you to initiate a conversation with people saved in your contacts. In a similar vein, a recent beta version of the app reveals adding new contacts could become simpler as well.

Meta’s solution to instant messaging is among the best apps on Android today. The Meta app's users could not find data or connect without saving the numbers until now. This barrier was kept in place to protect users from unknown callers and keep personal information safe from them. However, with WhatsApp's new feature of an in-app dialler, it can be used as a default dialler, meaning that it will extend connectivity to unsaved numbers. Although, it has an option to start messaging people without saving their contact info, which could help for fleeting interactions like those with a DoorDash driver.

However, adding contacts isn’t the most convenient or intuitive process, and unless the information was shared through the attachment menu, chances are you hit the New message floating action button (FAB), selecting New contact, and proceed to add a contact from there. Alternatively, you could switch to your dialler app, type in the phone number, and add to contacts from there before the user shows up in your WhatsApp contact list. A dialler could save you time and effort calling someone in WhatsApp without saving their contact information first. It could also speed up the process of creating said contact, or facilitating immediate interactions with businesses and executives you may talk to just once.

According to each user's privacy settings, personal information like profile pictures, usernames, and others will still be visible only after saving the contact number. A potential solution to such unpolished user experiences has surfaced in the latest WhatsApp beta (v2.24.9.28). Meta seems to be working on a dialler within WhatsApp. Where this UI appears is anyone’s best guess, but there’s limitless potential if it is implemented properly. The screenshot shared also shows a phone-like Call button suggesting the dialler will focus on making calling easier, instead of messaging. After all, interactions on WhatsApp, chats, voice calls, and video calls are secured with end-to-end encryption. Moreover, international calls can be cheaper via WhatsApp instead of conventional calling. The in-app dialler feature is being tested in the WhatsApp Beta version. It will be offered to a limited number of users within the Beta program.