Instagram's code reveals unreleased voice and video calling features
According to media reports, Instagram's code hides several files that point to a possibility of the photo-sharing app launching voice and video calling features in the near future. The said files, which were found in the app's Android application packages (APKs), are labeled "call" and "video call" along with phone and camera icons, respectively. Here is more on it.
The feature might launch within Instagram's Direct messaging system
The files, which were first analyzed by an Indian leakster, were buried not only in Instagram's code but also in that of the Instagram Direct standalone app, which was launched last year. This indicates that the audio and video calling features will be launched within Instagram's Direct messaging system. Currently, there is no indication when the features might launch.
APKs often house files for unreleased functions
APKs contain all the code of an app, including files for unreleased functions that are present but hidden because they haven't been officially launched yet. APKs are publicly available but someone still has to decompile and comb through all the code to find such files.
With video calling, Instagram poses major threat to Snapchat
Instagram has already proved itself a substantial threat to Snapchat with its Stories feature, but with voice and video calling, it could really poach the latter's user base. Snapchat's video calling feature, first launched in 2014, can be accessed by tapping on a friend's profile and selecting the call button from their specific chat screen.
Facebook wants to duplicate the feature's success on Messenger
On the other hand, Facebook (that owns Instagram) Messenger has 400 million people using its widely popular voice and video calling feature every month. Messenger added VoIP audio calling in 2013, video calling in 2015, and group video calls in 2016.
