WhatsApp is testing a new feature on user messages
YNP:
In a transformation considered one of the most significant developments in the world of instant messaging in recent years, the “WhatsApp” application has started testing a new feature that allows users to send messages to contacts who use other messaging applications.
This experimental update meets the requirements of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which requires large digital platforms to provide a greater degree of openness and interconnectivity between their services.
This update is an important step for WhatsApp, as it aims to comply with European law that classifies some large companies as gatekeepers and requires them to open their services to third-party applications to increase competition.
Reports indicate that WhatsApp has been working on this feature for a while and it was spotted in the Android 2.25.33.8 beta.
According to what has been reported, some WhatsApp users in the beta version were able to enable the feature from Settings by enabling the option to chat with third-party chats.
The feature allows sending text messages, photos, video clips, voice messages and documents to users of other applications, in a similar way to what the user currently does in WhatsApp.
The user can also choose the method of receiving messages, either a unified inbox or a separate inbox for chats from other applications, in addition to customizing alerts and the quality of media downloads within the application.
So far, the only app WhatsApp has announced support for is BirdyChat. But the platform is expected to open the door to merger requests from other developers, provided they meet WhatsApp’s strict security and encryption requirements to protect conversations.
On the other hand, there are some limitations, including the fact that some features like status, stickers, and disappearing messages will not be supported by cross-app chats.
Additionally, it is possible that users blocked in WhatsApp could send messages to the same person through the other app, raising questions about the blocking mechanism and privacy.
From the average user’s perspective, this update means the end of barriers between different messaging apps, making it easier to communicate even if your friend uses a different app than WhatsApp.
However, the practical application of this feature will depend on how widely support is extended to larger applications. Additionally, the security aspect will remain in focus, as WhatsApp’s requirement that other apps meet encryption standards is a key issue to ensure trust.