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WhatsApp could soon let you message people who are not on WhatsApp

WhatsApp could soon let you message people who are not on WhatsApp

India Today17 hours ago
WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that could let users message people who are not using the app. According to WABetaInfo, this new feature is called guest chat and will be helpful for users who want to communicate with others outside the WhatsApp network. The feature is currently under development. WhatsApp is expected to release the feature for beta soon, followed by a wider rollout in future updates.advertisementAs for how the feature will work, according to a screenshot shared by WABetaInfo, the idea behind guest chats seems fairly simple. WhatsApp users will be able to invite someone who does not have the app to join a one-on-one conversation by sending them a unique link. The invited person will not need to install the app or create an account. All they will need to do is open the link in their browser and start the chat. This setup will reportedly work through a web-based interface, similar to WhatsApp Web, making the process quick and easy.
While this feature will open up more ways to communicate via WhatsApp, reports suggest there will be some limitations. Guest chats will not support media sharing — so no photos, videos, GIFs, or voice notes. Voice and video calls are also likely to be off the table, and chats will only work one-on-one; group chats won't be allowed in this mode. These restrictions, however, may help keep things simple and lightweight for guests who aren't using the app.Meanwhile, despite being accessible to non-users, guest chats are also expected to be protected by end-to-end encryption. This means that only the two people in the chat will be able to read the messages, WhatsApp itself will not have the access.As for availability, the guest chat feature was spotted in the recent WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.22.13. The feature is currently in development, but there is no confirmed release date yet. WhatsApp will likely share more details as the feature gets closer to launch.In an earlier beta update (Android version 2.24.6.2), WhatsApp reportedly began testing a feature to manage third-party chats, giving users the ability to choose which external apps can connect with WhatsApp. These new tools are said to be part of a broader strategy to comply with EU regulations aimed at making communication apps more open and user-friendly.- Ends
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