Jun 24, (Emirates 247): WhatsApp has deactivated the free voice calling feature from devices that are registered with UAE telcos, even as it officially rolled out the voce calling feature into Windows phones.

Earlier, anyone trying to make an outgoing call using WhatsApp would were only able to receive a dial tone with a status message that said, ‘Connecting’.

With the latest update WhatsApp however has decided to remove the feature in the UAE. Users now get a notification that states, ‘Couldn’t place call. WhatsApp Calling is unavailable in your country.”

A new message is being flashed on users trying to call from the UAE states, “Unfortunately, WhatsApp Calling is not available in some countries due to local regulations.

If you are in one of these countries, you will not be able to place or receive calls. If you are in a country where WhatsApp Calling is available, you will not be able to call people in countries where it is unavailable.”

WhatsApp rolls out Voice call into Windows Phones

Meanwhile, Whatsapp has officially introduced voice calls into Windows phones, almost a month after the beta version was released. It was announced on Tuesday that users of Windows Mobile 8.1 will be able to update their WhatsApp messenger with the latest features that include voice calling and voice notes.

While WhatsApp rolled out the voice notes feature into Android and iOS and BlackBerry devices more than a year ago while voice calls were introduced only recently. Last month WhatsApp had released a beta version which some Windows users could download and test.

“After being announced more than a year ago then launching in private beta earlier this year, the calling feature is here after a long and twisting road,” said a note on the Windows blog.

However the feature will not be available to Windows phone users in the UAE as well.