And unlike many competing video calling services, your friends don't need to download a separate app -- all they need is a compatible web browser.

The web version of WhatsApp is getting a major upgrade: you will soon be able to make voice and video calls.

Courtesy of a months-old startup called Pickle, its pitch is simple: submit a five-minute-long training video of yourself to create an avatar, and 24 hours later, ostensibly, you’re ready to go.