One of the best features about any application is its ability to communicate with other platforms. However, not every application is able to integrate such a feature. There can be privacy issues, security issues as well as compatibility issues. When the application called ‘Signal’ came out, it had a unique ability to it. The user was able to communicate with other applications despite being on the same app. Now it seems that WhatsApp is coming up with such a feature too!
WhatsApp is enhancing its interoperability, enabling users to message individuals across different platforms like Signal, as per WABetaInfo’s findings on a recent iOS beta. Allowing WhatsApp users to message people on other platforms opens up a whole new area of operation for the application. The specific number and types of platforms compatible with WhatsApp remain undisclosed, although Signal is cited as an example.
WhatsApp Increasing Functionality
A new section in the Chats tab will be dedicated to third-party conversations, with users having manual control over this feature and the ability to toggle it on or off. Text messages exchanged with third-party platforms will be end-to-end encrypted, ensuring maximum privacy for users. This eliminates the security and privacy concern that a lot of people feel worried about, since WhatsApp’s current encryption is quite reliable.
Access to the WhatsApp beta on iOS is currently unavailable due to full enrollment in the TestFlight program. However, Android users can participate in the Google Play Beta Program for potential access. This means that if you are an android user, you can be a part of the new changing landscape of the application. The room for innovation and application for this new feature is quite wide and huge, and we anticipate what else is in store!
Messaging Other Applications
The increased interoperability is speculated to be influenced by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, aiming to diminish the dominance of major tech firms and promote communication across platforms, with enforcement beginning on March 6.