Lots of news from WhatsApp in this this last period. Among them we find the possibility of having the double account on the same device. What does it mean?
The double account on WhatsApp is finally available: what’s new?
If the need arises to use a private and a work account on WhatsApp, it is finally possible to say no more two separate phones. Finally WhatsApp has made double accounts available on the same device. To switch from one account to another, you no longer need to log out.
All you need is a phone that has the ability to insert two SIMs or eSiMs, a new phone number. Then you will have to open the WhatsApp settings, click on the arrow next to the name and choose “Add account”.
WhatsApp opens up to cross-platform messaging
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has taken the first step towards implementing cross-platform messaging. In fact, the most recent beta version (analyzed by WABetaInfo) features a new screen called “Third Party Chat”.
Although in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android (v2.23.19.8) it is not yet possible to interact with this screen, this novelty represents a very clear signal: Meta is working to adapt to new EU regulations on digital markets. The goal is to make messaging possible between different platforms by March 2024.
This decision by Meta is a direct response to Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the European Union, which introduced rules aimed at keeping big tech companies in check, such as Meta, Apple and Microsoft. The DMA aims to ensure the openness of critical digital services and has mandated digital “gatekeepers” to allow cross-platform messaging between their apps.
Cross-platform messaging represents a significant step in improving WhatsApp user experience and complying with European regulations. Perhaps many users will not use it directly, at least at first. But it opens the door to more flexible messaging app implementations. Although it remains to be evaluated how this new feature will work: we will have to wait for further updates.