WhatsApp Messenger

A free messaging app for everybody

WhatsApp is a messaging application built for communication with people all over the world. You can use it to text and send voice notes on the fly. It’s also compatible with a multitude of file types that you can send with a reasonable size limit. This application comes with a phone call function that serves as a replacement for your typical phone plan.

An easy way to stay in touch

WhatsApp is a top-notch choice for people that want to avoid expensive text messaging costs. While it used to require a dollar for a yearly subscription during its inception, it swapped over to the free-to-use model shortly after.

The developers add new features constantly. The most convenient addition is the web. With this, you can view and interact with the app on any browser. Another growing trend is the status banner that’s easy to set up. This is comparable to a tweet on Twitter. Your contacts can see it when they open your chat window.

It’s worth noting that this app takes up little to no resources while it runs in the background. It doesn’t overwork your battery or overuse your data connection. This is common in other applications and is a hassle to deal with. Regardless, it still manages to update messages in real-time and rarely struggles to maintain a stable connection.

Secure communications

Like most modern messaging applications, this app uses an internet connection to encrypt and send messages to another contact. If they use the right WhatsApp number, the app will decrypt the incoming information and display it in text form. The same applies to images, video files, and voice notes.

The app syncs with your phone number and works all over the world. Any contacts saved on your Google account or phone’s chip will appear automatically. While other applications, like Telegram, share this ease of use, most of them tend to complicate the process with ID numbers and usernames.

Mobile version required

The WhatsApp download is fast and straightforward. v. The desktop version will require a mobile counterpart. Alternatively, third-party websites host it in its latest iteration and offer apk files for older versions. Avoid modified clients, like WhatsApp Plus, because they’ll land you an immediate ban.

Once the application is set up, you must input your name and number. After that, you tap next, and you’re ready to start chatting. It’s simpler to use than other applications like LINE. When a new version is available, it will download automatically. You can configure the app to avoid these updates if you prefer.

Chat with groups and share files

WhatsApp boasts a wide variety of unique elements. Stickers keep your chats fun and engaging. You can form groups of up to 200 people to organize events easily. There’s also a broadcast function where you can send out personal messages to hundreds of contacts without inviting them to a shared room.

A fantastic feature that stands out is the video call system. You can hold these with any of your contacts. The connection quality is consistently high, with few hiccups. Moreover, file-sharing is easy and convenient. A series of functions appear when you click the menu option in a chat window. Among these is the document button. When you tap this, it redirects you to a list of files on your phone.

It is also compatible with a ton of file types. These include jpg, png, mp4, mp3, and more. The gif function is also easy to access and use. It also comes with a search bar to pinpoint the one you want. If you send a Word document, for example, it will show up in the chat panel. This is a comfortable way to view a file without opening it.

It also has a built-in backup feature. This is especially useful if you must reinstall the app or transfer your messages to a new phone. The default configuration automatically uploads your chat information to your Google Drive at 2 am daily. It’s intentionally slow to avoid bandwidth hogging.

Edit message with a 15-min time limit

WhatsApp includes a convenient feature that permits users to edit messages within 15 minutes of sending them. To utilize this feature, press and hold the message, then choose the edit option to make desired changes. Once edited, the message will display an edited tag alongside the timestamp, signifying the alteration. It's crucial to note that this app does not store a history of edits. Additionally, it's important to remember that you cannot modify any previous message at your discretion. You have a 15-minute window to edit a message before it becomes unchangeable.

Security

While Telegram is known for excellent chat encryption, WhatsApp doesn’t fall too far behind. The latter takes a similar approach, minus the secret messaging option. Any texts you send out are hidden from prying eyes until they reach your contact, known as end-to-end encryption. It’s essential to keep in mind, though, that it sends backups to your Google Drive. Anyone accessing it can see everything you’ve shared in the app.

The alternatives

If WhatsApp is of no interest to you or you’ve had problems with it, you might check out some similar apps.

Telegram is pretty popular and boasts comprehensive security features and a robust desktop application.

LINE is also similar—you can use stickers in a chat, start group communications, and do free voice and video calling. It has a clean, simple interface and a shop to buy games and more unique stickers.

What’s new?

A wave of new features in various testing stages is on the horizon for WhatsApp, promising an enhanced communication experience. One major update lets you upload videos up to one minute long as status updates, doubling the current limit. Plus, mentioning contacts in your status updates is on the way. Thanks to a new shortcut within chats, sharing your QR code for payments is about to get smoother.

With the full integration of Meta AI assistant, you can have an all-around companion without leaving the app. For those tired of endless voice note exchanges, a transcription feature that lets you see the text version of voice messages is in the works. Pinned messages limit gets a boost as well. The app also rolls out a feature that can block screenshots of profile pictures to provide extra protection.

Light, fast, and more secure

This app sets the standard for modern communication applications. It’s easy to set up, enjoyable to use and has features that take it beyond its basic messaging functions. However, a major weakness has been addressed regarding video and security concerns. Hackers could previously execute malicious code in the metadata of videos whenever the user played them. This bug has been quashed, so WhatsApp users can rest easy and get back to watching those mp4s.