Instagram started out as a simple photo-sharing app,Swipe and though it's come a long way since then, Facebook is always looking for ways to cram more features into it.
Now, it looks like Instagram might be rolling out a major update soon. TechCrunchreader Ishan Agarwal recently spent some time digging through Instagram's code and found references to several unreleased features for audio and video calling.
SEE ALSO: 3 Instagrammable spots in Manila no one knows aboutThese references include icons and files for features such as "call," "video call," and "action call."
Obviously, the fact that these files can be found inside Instagram's APK (Android Application Package) does not necessarily mean the features will be released -- they could be just remnants of features which were abandoned at some point. It is, however, far more likely that Instagram does plan to add these features in the near future. Instagram declined to comment on the matter.
This is not the first time Instagram has been caught experimenting with video chat; in August last year, the company launched an experimental feature that let two users star in a joint live video that was available for anyone to see. But this was different from one-to-one video chat, which is typically private.
If Instagram does add video and voice chats, it would make it one step closer to Snapchat, which it quite mercilessly borrowed from in the past, with features such as Stories. In fact, besides the oddball UI, the only major feature that differentiates Snapchat from Instagram at this point is video calls.
Facebook's Messenger already has a video calling feature, which makes the feature somewhat superfluous in Instagram, which is owned by Facebook. On the other hand, Facebook hasn't shied from duplicating features in its social apps; in Mar. 2017, Facebook added Stories to its Facebook app; later that year, it added the ability to crosspost Instagram stories to Facebook as well.
Topics Facebook Instagram Snapchat Social Media
Best rope light deal: Save 25% on Lepro N1 AI Smart RGB LED Strip Lights
The Women's March just won a PEN award for freedom of speech
What's coming to Hulu in May 2017
Forget scissors and combs—get your hair cut by an ax, if you're brave enough
SXSW 2025: How 'Territory' is revolutionizing VR accessibility with aesthetic access
The Women's March just won a PEN award for freedom of speech
Watch: Powerful Maori haka spreads support for veteran's mental health
Jeff Goldblum's handing out free sausages in a 'Chef Goldblum's' truck
Skates in the deep sea may incubate eggs near 'black smoker' vents
A newly developed artificial womb could save lives
Amazon Pet Day: All the best deals
Google takes on fake news with its biggest tool: Search
Man attacks robot and humanity will probably pay for it one day
Humans may have lived in the Americas 130,000 years ago, far earlier than thought
'The Last of Us' Season 2, episode 3's opening credits has a heartbreaking change
Amazon Echo Look is first smart home device Kim Kardashian could love
'Frozen 2' sets official release date so get ready for more ice princess songs
This brilliant case will end your kid's iPhone addiction
I'm a college professor. My advice to young people who feel hooked on tech
Fox News now has a racial discrimination lawsuit on its hands
Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for July 31'Update and shut down' bug rocks some Windows usersGoogle is working to make its Pixel camera less racistFall Asleep Easily with This Chunk of Boring ProseInstagram will now let users add pronouns to their profilesNintendo Switch successor could launch next yearThe Man with the Companion Animal by David MametThe Morning News Roundup for March 6, 2014'Quordle' today: See each 'Quordle' answer and hints for August 1'Quordle' today: See each 'Quordle' answer and hints for July 30Pork Products in the Work of Harper LeeGoogle Assistant is getting an AI makeover'Quordle' today: See each 'Quordle' answer and hints for July 30Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for July 30Tinder releases 'Are You Sure?' feature to stop harmful messages before they happenGiant X sign removed from Twitter HQ after slew of complaints over strobe lights, unsafe structureHow to download apps for your FitbitLook at Colt’s Revolver Patent, Granted 178 Years Ago TodayHow to report abusive comments on InstagramThe History of the Pancake Bell 7 things that lasted longer than Michael Flynn as national security adviser Seth Rogen responds to underaged kid arrested for his fake 'McLovin' ID Barack and Michelle Obama's Valentine's tweets will melt your heart An Aussie airline successfully tested a nonstop NYC–Sydney flight 'Rumps Against Trump' sees protesters bare their butts outside Trump Tower The Russian Embassy tweeted about U.S. relations and everyone is so lost Dad Photoshops images with daughter for bone marrow registry project Botnet evolves to use 'sextortion' threat to scam users My response to the nastiest OKCupid message I've ever received The Analogue Pocket celebrates the history of mobile gaming Critics gush over first 'The Lighthouse' explained: What did it all mean? Teen becomes talk of the neighborhood when taquito gets confused for cigar A handy reference guide to Donald Trump's terrible handshakes The first all This bookshop is forcing Piers Morgan to read 'Harry Potter', 1 tweet at a time This BBC weather presenter just busted out a total mic drop of a pun Here are the stores that have dumped Trump Why the 'Office Ladies' podcast is worth your time What is National Period Day?