Voice Calls over Whatsapp: A Myth or not?

As you well know that we can send text messages, video, images and recorded audio over Whatsapp to friends all over the world effortlessly. From a simple messaging app it has now grown into a mainstay for many of us to stay in touch. We can now connect with people that we have lost contact over the years if we get in a group that has those friends. It has made the world truly small.

Enter the next logical step in the service offered by Whatsapp; voice calling. You don't have to check the news for this release of Whatsapp. It is yet an unofficial release, but now it is possible to make voice calls using Whatsapp. Basically it uses the VoIP technology to make the calls and allows users to make 'free' calls. To elaborate it uses the internet to make your voice calls, basically free calls anywhere in the world! We think that Whatsapp knew that introducing such a feature would cause problems with the telecom operators in some regions. So it’s no surprise it’s already ruffled feathers in the UAE.

According to emirates247.com the new Whatsapp feature is being blocked by the major telecoms in UAE. Sources say that just hours after this feature was launched, the UAE telecoms scrambled the service. VoIP services can only be offered by licensed telecoms in UAE viz. Etisalat and Du. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a statement about the use of VoIP in the UAE: "VoIP services are still a prerogative of the licensed providers who reserve the right to provide such services through their networks. Companies wishing to offer such services must co-ordinate with the licensed telecom providers in the UAE."

So here is the quandary. If the new calling service has been scrambled, it will take some time to affect all the users in UAE. However according to rumors, those users who have already installed the new feature, might be able to continue using it over Wi-Fi. Also Du users are saying that the service is working without any problems.

None of the parties involved have given us an official comment on the situation.

Bad Marketing Is The Cause Of The Doom Of Google Glass?

Now I don’t know whether the following excerpt from a Google executive will surprise you, but I was. Teller said, “Google Glass Explorer is a program which tops as one of our biggest endeavors. However, what did not go right is our allowance and giving more than the necessary attention for the same.\"

The Key misunderstanding which lead to the apparent failure of Google Glass:

“It all started with the wrong perception of people towards Google Glass. People perceived Google Glass as Google\'s final product. However, in reality, Google was just testing a prototype,” said Teller.

\"We should have communicated in a better way. Also we could have prevented Google Glass from entering a loud conversation which was not meant to be.”

A year does make a difference. This is well supported by the fact that March 2014 saw marketers expressing much interest over brands like Kenneth Cole and The Weather Channel, who were responsible for Google Glass advertising. In 2015, Google Glass merely remains a footnote in tech history.

Another hot talk-

Talks regarding Google\'s self-driving car also circulated the tech corridors. This received greater attention when the ride-sharing war between Uber and Lyft this week received similar attention,

\"If you can make a car which secures a person during every possible situation, million lives could be saved every year. Additionally it would also save $1 trillion equivalent of time each year\" Teller said.

However, unlike Google Glass, the company is testing out every possible scenario with self-driving cars before its official market launch. We would appreciate the fact that Google won’t repeat their mistake again.

What’s your take? Let us know in the comments.

Twitter To Induct New Regional Office Soon

Twitter is all set to announce the opening of new office in Dubai. The office will oversee operations across Middle East and North African region.

The announcement came from the key influencers like Shailesh Rao, VP, Asia Pacific, Latin America & Emerging Markets for Twitter at the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit in Dubai.

Video to be a core part of enhancing user interaction:

“Twitter sees Dubai as amongst its fastest growing markets,” said Rao at a recent event. “And Twitter is all set to enhance user interactions through the power of videos.”

“Video is at the core of Twitter’s user interaction strategy,” said Rao.

The upcoming venture:

The upcoming venture for Twitter in Dubai has the potential to boost Twitter’s global presence. “While Dubai is one of our largest markets, setting up an office in Dubai will help us channel our efforts more effectively towards providing the users an enhanced user experience on the social media platform,” said Rao.

Twitter- spreading its branches…

During last one year, Twitter has laid several new offices around the world where Q4 alone saw addition of 13 new markets totaling its presence to 73 countries worldwide.

“Mena (Middle East and North Africa region) is a key strategic market for us. Our new Dubai office will be the focal point favoring development across the region. Dubai is a regional hub for various brands as well as advertising agencies. We are excited to build a team which will work with partners directly and help them get the most out of Twitter,” said Rao.

What’s your take? Let us know in the comments