Tag: WhatsApp Beta

  • WhatsApp Moves to Microsoft WebView2, Drops Windows 11 App

    WhatsApp Moves to Microsoft WebView2, Drops Windows 11 App

    Key Takeaways

    1. WhatsApp Beta on Windows 11 has transitioned to a WebView2-based framework, aligning it more with WhatsApp Web.
    2. The user interface resembles the previous app, but performance has decreased significantly.
    3. The new version operates as a desktop container running multiple processes, making it less efficient than the former native app.
    4. The WebView2 version uses about 30% more RAM compared to the native application, affecting reliability and user experience.
    5. This change allows Meta to manage a single code base for all app versions, but it compromises WhatsApp’s performance and attractiveness.

    A recent update for WhatsApp Beta on Windows 11 has replaced the original desktop application with a bulkier Microsoft WebView2-based framework. This change aligns the experience more closely with WhatsApp Web, resulting in the loss of numerous performance improvements that came with the native UWP (Universal Windows Platform) version.

    User Interface Changes

    As noted by Windows Latest, although the user interface closely resembles that of the previous native app, there are notable differences, primarily in performance which has slowed down. Microsoft’s new WebView2, utilized in Microsoft Edge, is based on the open-source Chromium project.

    Performance Drawbacks

    The latest WhatsApp Beta seems to function as a desktop container that executes web code, similar to how it operates in Edge. This shift means that the former native app, which was lightweight and used a single process, has been replaced. The new web-based version operates several processes in the background, which can be less efficient.

    Resource Usage

    According to tests conducted by Windows Latest, the WebView2 version consumes approximately 30% more RAM than the native application. The native version was not only more dependable but also provided superior notifications and a more seamless user interface. Moreover, it managed calls and screen sharing far more effectively.

    Despite the lack of official explanation for this transition, using WebView2 simplifies the process for Meta by allowing them to manage a single code base for all app versions. However, this change results in WhatsApp appearing less appealing than it did previously and consuming more system resources.

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  • WhatsApp beta introduces third-party chat management feature

    WhatsApp beta introduces third-party chat management feature

    WhatsApp, the globally popular messaging application, is working on enhancing cross-platform communication capabilities, as indicated by the latest features found in its beta update for Android.

    While the direct messaging functionality with platforms like Telegram or Signal is not yet operational, WhatsApp is laying the foundation for a future where such cross-platform interactions can occur. The most recent beta version, labeled as 2.24.6.2, unveils the company’s progress in developing a feature known as “Manage Third-Party Chats.”

    User Control and Regulatory Compliance

    This innovative feature addresses two significant aspects: user empowerment and compliance with EU regulations.
    Primarily, this feature grants users the authority to completely disable the chat interoperability service. This action aligns with Article 7 of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), emphasizing users’ control over data sharing and communication preferences. This option allows users uninterested in cross-platform messaging to opt-out entirely.

    Secondly, the feature provides detailed control over which third-party applications can interact with WhatsApp. This feature enhances user independence and allows them to personalize their communication experience. Users can select specific trusted messaging services to integrate with, customizing their level of connectivity.

    Selective Management of Third-Party App Access

    The capability to selectively manage third-party app access is notably advantageous. Users can avoid unsolicited communication from unknown platforms while maintaining connections with desired services. Furthermore, disabling the entire service offers a clear exit strategy for users who change their minds regarding cross-platform messaging.

    It should be noted that deactivating the service does come with some restrictions. Existing third-party chats will shift to a read-only mode, preventing users from sending or receiving new messages within those conversations. Nonetheless, these chats will remain accessible within WhatsApp and can be deleted as desired by the user.

    Despite being in the developmental phase, the “Manage Third-Party Chats” feature sets the stage for a more interconnected future for WhatsApp users. This advancement coincides with the company’s efforts to adhere to the EU’s DMA regulations and accommodate evolving user preferences in the realm of cross-platform communication. With additional details anticipated in forthcoming updates, this feature is poised to significantly alter how users engage and manage their messaging encounters on WhatsApp.

    In addition to these developments, WhatsApp is actively testing new features in recent beta versions. Among these tests, there is an exploration of implementing a secret code for locked chats on WhatsApp Web, with a focus on enhancing privacy and security. Furthermore, they are experimenting with a redesigned status tab in the latest beta version.

    WhatsApp beta introduces third-party chat management feature
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