WhatsApp users can now use the service to chat via a web browser, though the announcement from the messaging service did mention a few ‘restrictions’ with the new functionality.
Announcing WhatsApp Web via the company blog, the company detailed how the ‘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.’
However, iOS users will be denied the service due to, the company states, ‘Apple platform limitations’. The service is available to Android, Windows, BlackBerry and Nokia S60 users, with all that is needed to access the service being the latest version of WhatsApp.
In order to connect a web browser to WhatsApp Client, users must visit the WhatsApp website where they will be presented with a QR code. Users then must scan the code while inside WhatsApp to complete the pairing of the phone with WhatsApp web client.
Users must ensure that their phone is connected to the internet in order for web client to work.
This new service will benefit WhatsApp’s existing member base, reported to number over 700 million. Recent reports have indicated that services such as WhatsApp could spell the end to traditional SMS, but with pressure mounting on encrypted communications bans, the messaging app might have to counter with a host of new, different services.
