Digital
Updated on October 25, 2024, 5:05 p.m
A new WhatsApp update promises simplified synchronization of contacts on the smartphone and in the web browser. © imago images/ Aviation Stock
A new WhatsApp update is intended to simplify the management of contacts for users of the messenger service on smartphones and in the browser.
A new update to the WhatsApp messenger service is intended to simplify the management and synchronization of contact data on the smartphone and in the browser version of the messenger, as the developers recently said announced in the WhatsApp blog.
Accordingly, the new update will also make the use of a telephone number unnecessary; instead, user names should provide more security.
WhatsApp contacts can be added in the browser
While users of the messenger service were previously only able to add contacts via their smartphone, either by saving a phone number or by scanning a QR code, the new update should also make it possible to save contacts via the web version of WhatsApp . The contacts should then be available on all devices.
Another innovation concerns the storage of contacts exclusively in the messenger service itself. WhatsApp contacts no longer necessarily appear in the general contacts of the smartphone, but only in the WhatsApp contact list.
This function is particularly ideal if users share their phone with other people or “to separate personal and business contacts if you manage more than one WhatsApp account on your phone,” according to the developers. Another advantage of WhatsApp contacts is that they can be easily restored if you lose or change your phone.
Usernames bring security
To improve security, the messenger also introduces the ability to “manage and save” contacts by username. This is intended to provide additional protection, as it makes it unnecessary to specify your own telephone number through your username, as WhatsApp says.
Updated on September 13, 2024, 8:54 a.m
With the interoperability function required by the EU, it will in future be possible to receive and send messages from other messenger services directly in WhatsApp. (Credits teaser photo: IMAGO/SOPA Images/Jaque Silva)
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