With
more than 700 million monthly active users, there’s no doubt that
WhatsApp is one of the largest mobile- focused messaging service.
A
large number of these users have been demanding a PC interface for the
service to stay connected with their favourite people even when they
switch devices. After a long wait, WhatsApp has finally introduced a way
to access the service on a PC. However, there are several limitations
attached to it as the interface is limited to a web browser.
WhatsApp for web essentially syncs messages between your smartphone and browser via its servers.
It doesn’t support iphones
At this time, the service does not support the iPhone. According to WhatsApp it’s unable to provide the web client to iOS users due to Apple’s platform limitations. Reports indicate that it intends to support the iPhone in the future but till then, if you use WhatsApp on an iPhone, you’ll need to peep into your phone every time you get a WhatsApp message even if you’re in front of your computer.
Needs your phone to be on and connected to the internet
After pairing your smartphone with WhatsApp’s web client through a QR code image, you’ll be able to send and receive messages through your browser.
But what if your phone loses the data connection or runs out of charge? Sadly, the WhatsApp web version will also go offline. Your phone needs to stay connected to the internet for the web client to work.
Doesn’t support browsers other than google and chrome
WhatsApp’s web interface only supports Google Chrome. So if you use Firefox, Safari or Internet Explorer, you’re out of luck. A number of IT environments restrict the use of applications not approved by admins. If you’re part of one and can’t use Chrome, you’ll not be able to use WhatsApp for web. WhatsApp’s justification is that Chrome’s push technology is better. It’s surprising that the service doesn’t support Internet Explorer given Microsoft’s investment in Facebook which owns WhatsApp. Also, it’s worth pointing out that Google (the developer of Chrome) competes directly with Facebook.
You can’t block users
To block users, you still need to go to the WhatsApp
mobile app. The number of spam messages on WhatsApp has gone up considerably and the only way to deal with these, is to block their number. Unfortunately, the web version does not offer the block feature.
You can’t create and leave groups
While you can send and receive messages from groups you’re a part of, the WhatsApp web client doesn’t let you create new groups or leave existing ones. You also can’t send broadcast messages via the web client.
WhatsApp for web essentially syncs messages between your smartphone and browser via its servers.
It doesn’t support iphones
At this time, the service does not support the iPhone. According to WhatsApp it’s unable to provide the web client to iOS users due to Apple’s platform limitations. Reports indicate that it intends to support the iPhone in the future but till then, if you use WhatsApp on an iPhone, you’ll need to peep into your phone every time you get a WhatsApp message even if you’re in front of your computer.
Needs your phone to be on and connected to the internet
After pairing your smartphone with WhatsApp’s web client through a QR code image, you’ll be able to send and receive messages through your browser.
But what if your phone loses the data connection or runs out of charge? Sadly, the WhatsApp web version will also go offline. Your phone needs to stay connected to the internet for the web client to work.
WhatsApp’s web interface only supports Google Chrome. So if you use Firefox, Safari or Internet Explorer, you’re out of luck. A number of IT environments restrict the use of applications not approved by admins. If you’re part of one and can’t use Chrome, you’ll not be able to use WhatsApp for web. WhatsApp’s justification is that Chrome’s push technology is better. It’s surprising that the service doesn’t support Internet Explorer given Microsoft’s investment in Facebook which owns WhatsApp. Also, it’s worth pointing out that Google (the developer of Chrome) competes directly with Facebook.
You can’t block users
To block users, you still need to go to the WhatsApp
mobile app. The number of spam messages on WhatsApp has gone up considerably and the only way to deal with these, is to block their number. Unfortunately, the web version does not offer the block feature.
You can’t create and leave groups
While you can send and receive messages from groups you’re a part of, the WhatsApp web client doesn’t let you create new groups or leave existing ones. You also can’t send broadcast messages via the web client.
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