WhatsApp announces VoIP support for KaiOS devices

Business Standard WhatsApp announces VoIP support for KaiOS devices

As a step towards reaching more people in emerging markets, KaiOS Technologies and WhatsApp have released an update that enables WhatsApp VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) for KaiOS-enabled devices worldwide.

KaiOS is a mobile operating system, based on Linux, for keypad feature phones. It is developed by KaiOS Technologies Limited, a company based in Kowloon, Hong Kong. The new feature is available to smart feature phone users with the latest version of the app on KaiOS devices worldwide equipped with 512MB RAM. “People are relying on WhatsApp now more than ever to communicate and stay in touch with their loved ones. 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, chief operating officer of WhatsApp. Committed to closing the digital divide, WhatsApp and KaiOS have worked closely together to ensure that even underserved populations have access to the technology needed to communicate in a simple and cost-effective way.

Since its launch on KaiOS mid-2019, WhatsApp has been made available to millions of people in emerging markets for the first time. KaiOS users have been using WhatsApp for text messaging, voice messaging and sharing media, all secured with end-to-end encryption by default to keep private conversations private. WhatsApp is now the top KaiOS nonsystem app with the highest monthly active users (MAU) worldwide.

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.

The new feature further enhances the overall KaiOS user experience, especially now, when strong mobility restrictions make platforms like WhatsApp and features like voice calls over the Internet crucial for people to stay connected and handle basic life needs. As the only OS worldwide to provide native support for WhatsApp on affordable feature phones, KaiOS becomes an even more sustainable solution for carriers with WhatsApp VoIP, while tapping into the more than two billion 2G users to guide them toward more advanced, efficient technology.

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