
Adding video to WhatsApp will position the app to compete with video app services likeSkype and Apple �s FaceTime . While Skype does have text chat enabled on the app, the company is known for its video calling. WhatsApp was started as a text and conference messaging app back in 2009. Facebook acquired the company for a reported $19 billionin 2014.
The Whatsapp update follows a virus that infected the app in Apple�s app store. Whatsapp was among iOS apps infected with the The XcodeGhost virus. virus is infecting almost 50 apps including WeChat , NetEase Cloud Music, WinZip , Didi Chuxing, Railway 12306 , China Unicom Mobile Office, and Tonghuashun. According toMacrumors.com , devices infected with XcodeGhost malware can have information copied, encrypted and uploaded data to command and control (C2) servers run by hackers through the HTTP protocol.
In a statement released to Reuters news service, Apple responded to public concern about the XcodeGhost virus. "We�ve removed the apps from the App Store that we know have been created with this counterfeit software. We are working with the developers to make sure they�re using the proper version of Xcode to rebuild their apps."
Apple also created a XcodeGhost question and answer page for concerned consumers. On the page Apple said �As soon as we recognized these apps were using potentially malicious code we took them down. Developers are quickly updating their apps for users.� The company also said. �Customers will be receiving more information letting them know if they�ve downloaded an app that could have been compromised. Once a developer updates their app, that will fix the issue on the user�s device once they apply that update.�