VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, etc, will now display incoming VoIP calls on iPhones as a standard call along with the default "Remind Me" and "Message" options. This was feature was announced by Apple for the latest version of iOS 10 during yesterday’s WWDC developer conference. Apart from answering calls, users can also manage contacts from VoIP calls in the iPhone’s Favorites and Recents views section. CallKit API: In addition, Apple has released CallKit API that lets VoIP apps to integrate with the iPhone User Interface. The API will also has app extensions to enable call blocking and caller identification. The API for example, can be used as an extension on apps to associate a phone number with a name or can be used to create call-blocker app. Microsoft VoIP integration on Windows Phone 8: Interestingly, Apple isn’t the first smartphone maker that masks VoIP calls as standard ones. Windows incorporated this on Windows Phone 8 update in June 2012. Phones running Windows Phone 8 OS displays incoming Skype calls as standard calls; later WhatsApp calls were also masked as standard ones on Windows Phone in June 2015. Microsoft also allows third party developers to fully integrate their VoIP apps on Windows Phone dialer and contacts, and access to background tasks and notifications. What Apple’s and Microsoft’s VoIP integration means in India Regulatory tussle between telcos and TRAI, DoT: A DoT amendment in April is seeking to change VoIP calling in India by allowing VoIP & VoLTE (Voice over…
