Tech tug: Whatsapp versus Skype, Facebook, Snapchat

Whatsapp, with a huge database of one million active users, is all set to enter the race of video-calling mobile applications to compete against the likes of Snapchat, Skype and Facebook Messenger. 

In an attempt to hunt down its native competitors, Whatsapp has launched a desktop-compatible version for Windows 8+ and Mac OS 10.9+. However, the current desktop version doesn’t have all the features of the mobile version.

However, Whatsapp still needs to work on the compatibility of its audio-calling feature on 2G and 3G networks before they go on with the launch of video calling on its mobile application.

With the video calling feature launch in the works, Whatsapp will have an eye on Skype and its own parent venture Facebook as they are already established user choices for video calls and chats.

The recent upgrade of end-to-end encryption on Whatsapp has given it a vote of trust. The feature encrypts messages for the end user in a way that even Whatsapp cannot know, ensuring complete privacy.

The video-calling feature is already out on the beta version of the messenger and is being rigorously tested. With the given number of users, Whatsapp might wipe out its competitors if the video-calling feature runs uninterrupted on mobile applications as well as the web.