Ecrypted messaging app Signal tests "next gen" voice and video calling

In the latest Signal beta update, Open Whisper Systems has added an experimental voice and video calling feature to Edward Snowden approved Android app.

The change log doesn’t go into details about the new functionality, though Open Whisper is calling it “next generation voice and video calling,” which can only mean the company is aiming to bring the same high-level security its known for to the service.

The feature can be found in settings > advanced and must be enabled on both caller and receiver’s apps to work.

This could prove to be an important addition to Signal as it makes attempts to compete with other communication app giants like WhatsApp, Facebook and Skype. In a time when government surveillance is causing increasing concern over privacy and security, Signal stands to become a much sough-after product.

There’s no word on when video calling will make its way to the regular app just yet, but if you want to try it out now, sign up for the beta version here.

Recent updates

Improved verification process

November 21, 2016: Signal has received an update which simplifies the verification process required to start using the app. Now, Signal users need only scan a single QR code for a conversation, instead of two, and the code no longer includes either party’s phone number, further increasing the level of privacy.