WhatsApp Launches Web Client and Tightens Security
Messenger Reincarnate
 |
| softonic.com |
WhatsApp has just launched one of its most requested features.
A web based browser.
The last time I wrote
about WhatsApp, I made an effort to download the app. Today I've only just
verified my number and actually used it a little. I mean, I updated my status
that counts right? I’m sure by my next article about WhatsApp I’ll be in the
process of actually sending a message. Here’s hoping.
The WhatsApp new web browser
will currently only be working with Google Chrome. To log in, all you need to do
is open up the site in your browser and then scan the QR code using the
WhatsApp app on your smart phone. I tried to give it a go but apparently there’s
no love for iPhones just yet with WhatsApp citing platform limitations on Apple’s
side.
Once you've scanned the QR code, you’re set to go according to WhatsApp
advice:
‘You have now paired WhatsApp on your phone with the WhatsApp web client. Your phone needs to stay connected to the internet for our web client to work, and please make sure to install the latest version of WhatsApp on your phone.’
This is just another reason for me to finally take the
plunge and stop using Safari as my web browser and start using Chrome.
Everything these days seems to thrive with Chrome, even things like Hola Unblocker to get my Netflix
and Pandora working just right. But
Safari remembers all my hundreds of different passwords. Life is hard.
Either way, this is a great move for WhatsApp as this has
proven to be a heavily requested service.
WhatsApp posted on their blog unveiling their new client.
‘Today, for the first time, millions of you will have the ability to use WhatsApp on your web browser. Our web client is simply an extension of your phone: the web browser mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device -- this means all of your messages still live on your phone.’
This news hits as WhatsApp also reveal that they’re going to
be heavily clamping down on security. Namely, the use of third party apps which
are used in conjuncture with the main WhatsApp app. Third party apps have
always been a bit of a risqué grey area. There was the infamous SnapSaved
service that would save people’s disappearing snaps.
WhatsApp are already planning to take the battle straight to
the third party apps, but in the meantime people who are found to be using them
are being served 24hour bans.
‘Third parties that have built unauthorized functionality on top of WhatsApp create issues for people including lost messages. This goes against the experience we work hard to give people and we won’t let it continue. Starting today, we are taking aggressive action against unauthorized apps and alerting the people who use them.’
Some people are less than happy with the ban however.
How ridiculous it is @WhatsApp banned me
for #24hours.
pic.twitter.com/PtB9Se4wvH
—
Anil Tyagi (@aniltyagi_) January
21, 2015
Banned on #Whatsapp
for 14 hours for using #WhatsappPlus.......
— feeling annoyed
— Avinash (@Call_me_Avi) January
21, 2015
Some bans have exceeded 24 hours already. But I wonder what they've been up to.
So Whatsapp had banned me for using Whatsapp
Plus... pic.twitter.com/E5LUShNCe8
—
Tungsten (@kollonabiswa) January
22, 2015
There seems to be some hefty movement behind companies
shutting down third party apps and banning users. There
were rumours a few weeks ago of Netflix banning people who were using
proxies such as Hola Unblocker to access content that normally wouldn't be allowed
in their respective countries.
We’ll see what WhatsApp has in store for these developers as
the third party app world hides in a corner for a few days and waits for this
to blow over.
Tom has just graduated from University of East London in Creative and Professional Writing. He loves writing and he currently manages, edits and writes for this blog. His other loves include Arnold Schwarzenegger films and his dog. Follow him @TomAtSMF
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WhatsApp Launches Web Client and Tightens Security
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Rating:
Unknown
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