WhatsApp will soon allow you to chat with users of other messaging apps
The popular messaging platform, WhatsApp, is expanding its capabilities so that users can communicate with contacts from other applications.
This new feature, expected to be available soon, will allow WhatsApp users to send and receive text messages from people using other messaging apps, such as Messenger, iMessage, WhatsApp , Telegram, Signal.
This initiative seeks to promote interconnectivity and facilitate communication between users of different platforms. Now, it will not be necessary to have multiple messaging applications installed on your phone to be able to contact friends or family who use other services.
When will it be possible to send WhatsApp messages to other messaging apps?
Although the exact date when this feature will be available is unknown , it is expected to be announced shortly. It will be interesting to see how this new feature will be implemented and how it will affect the way we communicate through messaging apps.
It is public knowledge that this change occurs due to the rules imposed by the EU that gave Meta a deadline to allow the exchange of messages with other applications. Can you imagine being able to send a message from WhatsApp to Telegram, since very soon it will be possible thanks to interconnectivity.
Initially it would not be available for conversations or group calls
WhatsApp users will be able to exchange messages, images, videos and files with people who use other messaging platforms thanks to interconnectivity. At first, individual messages will be prioritized over group conversations and calls.
It is important to note that messages from other applications will appear in a section called third-party chats instead of grouping them in the main WhatsApp tray. This is done in order to maintain high privacy standards on WhatsApp.
Technical challenges and collaborations
Facilitating communication between different platforms is a technically complex process, especially when it comes to encrypted applications like WhatsApp. The protocols used by each platform vary and present different privacy standards.
Brouwer, director of engineering at WhatsApp, acknowledged that it is indeed a technical challenge to open access to different platforms and at the same time preserve security. In March, WhatsApp plans to publish technical details to allow third-party integration into its system.
To connect their apps, businesses will have to sign an agreement and comply with WhatsApp’s terms.
Signal encryption protocol is WhatsApp’s favorite
WhatsApp prefers that third-party platforms use the Signal encryption protocol. Which is the same one used by messaging applications like «Google messages» and Skype.
To send messages, applications are required to encrypt the content using the Signal protocol and compress the content into XML message formats . To receive messages, you need to connect to WhatsApp servers.
According to Brouwer, this architecture that uses the client-server system implemented in WhatsApp is the most optimal option. The company has remained in communication with different platforms to document their protocols, so that third-party clients can integrate directly.
In case developers are looking for more flexibility, options will be provided to use a proxy between their applications and the WhatsApp server .
Global availability and uncertain adoption
So far, we do not know which platforms could be linked to the WhatsApp ecosystem . Major messaging apps such as Telegram, Signal, Snap and Google have not commented on plans to enable interconnectivity with WhatsApp.
After WhatsApp releases its guide in March, it may take some time for third-party apps to release integrations due to technical complexities.
The EU demands interconnectivity within six months
According to European Union regulations , the interconnectivity process should begin in just half a year. Of course, WhatsApp has not yet confirmed whether this feature will be available to everyone. When this feature is enabled, users will have access to a third-party chat section.
Will iMessage also allow the exchange of messages with other applications?
Under the EU Digital Markets Act, Apple’s iMessage could be next to provide interconnectivity. However, Apple has chosen not to provide statements on the subject. Opening your platform could improve communication between iOS and Android users.
In summary
In the near future, users will not need to install several applications to send messages to different contacts, thanks to the services being interconnected. However, the adoption process is entirely dependent on third-party integration, which may take time due to technical complexities.
Without a doubt, this step forward in the evolution of WhatsApp promises to reshape the way we connect and communicate in the digital age.
