WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new cross-platform messaging feature called ‘third-party chats’, despite the platform initially being against it. The European Union’s new Digital Markets Act has pushed for interoperability and cross-platform interaction to prevent ecosystem lock-in and anti-competitive behavior. In response, WhatsApp is working on a feature that would allow users to text anyone on any other messaging app directly, eliminating the need to download multiple chat apps. This move towards interoperability not only promotes user freedom but also puts pressure on companies to enhance their app experience and retain their user base amidst competition.

WhatsApp testing a new cross-platform messaging feature called ‘third-party chats’

WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging app, is reportedly testing a new feature called ‘third-party chats’ that allows users to interact with users from other messaging platforms without needing to download WhatsApp. This feature comes as a response to the European Union’s push for interoperability among messaging apps to promote competition and prevent ecosystem lock-in.

Why does WhatsApp compress pictures while sharing it?

One of the common complaints among WhatsApp users is that the app compresses pictures while sharing them, resulting in a loss of quality. This compression occurs because the default setting for photo upload quality is set to ‘auto’ in the app’s settings. The image quality during sharing depends on various factors such as the internet connection and the size of the image. To send the best quality photo on WhatsApp, users can adjust the photo upload quality to the ‘Best Quality’ option in the Settings menu.

How to send the best quality photo on WhatsApp

To send the best quality photo on WhatsApp, users can follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone or Android device.
2. Click on the three dots to access the WhatsApp Settings.
3. From the Settings menu, select ‘Storage and Data.’
4. Tap on ‘Photo upload quality.’
5. Select the ‘Best Quality’ option and click on ‘Ok.’

By adjusting the photo upload quality to the highest setting, users can ensure that the photos they send on WhatsApp maintain their original quality.

WhatsApp third-party chat feature can allow users to interact with users from other platforms without needing to download WhatsApp

WhatsApp’s new third-party chat feature aims to enable users to communicate with individuals on other messaging platforms without the need to download WhatsApp. This feature aligns with the European Union’s emphasis on interoperability and breaking the ecosystem lock-in created by major tech companies. With third-party chats, WhatsApp users can send messages to users who exclusively use platforms like Telegram or Signal, expanding their communication options beyond the confines of a single app.

WhatsApp against interoperability

It’s worth noting that WhatsApp was initially reluctant to embrace interoperability. Like other tech companies, WhatsApp has invested in creating an ecosystem experience to retain and engage its users. However, with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) categorizing Meta’s instant messaging platform as a ‘gatekeeper,’ WhatsApp is now compelled to comply with interoperability standards and offer users the option to communicate with users on other platforms.

EU regulations and WhatsApp’s compliance

The European Union’s regulations on interoperability are aimed at promoting fair competition and preventing anti-competitive behaviors. By designating platforms like WhatsApp as ‘gatekeepers,’ the EU aims to ensure that users are not locked into a single ecosystem and have the freedom to communicate across different messaging platforms. WhatsApp’s introduction of the third-party chat feature is a step towards complying with these regulations and fostering a more open and connected digital environment.

Update on WhatsApp beta version

According to a report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is rolling out a new update through the Google Play Beta Program. This update, version 2.23.19.8, introduces a new screen with the header ‘Third-party chats.’ The inclusion of this header suggests that WhatsApp is actively developing support for chat interoperability, as required by the EU regulations. While this feature is currently being tested in the beta version, it indicates WhatsApp’s commitment to embracing cross-platform messaging.

Interoperability as a discussion point

The concept of interoperability has gained prominence in discussions among governments and nonprofit organizations. As major tech companies create ecosystems with multiple applications, there is a growing concern about the lack of interoperability and the resulting difficulty for users to communicate across platforms. The EU’s focus on interoperability aims to address this issue, ensuring that users have the freedom to connect with others regardless of the messaging app they use.

Benefits of cross-platform messaging

Cross-platform messaging offers several benefits for users. It allows individuals to communicate seamlessly with others, regardless of the messaging app they prefer. This eliminates the need for users to download and manage multiple chat apps for different platforms, simplifying the communication process. Moreover, cross-platform messaging promotes competition among messaging apps, encouraging developers to improve their app experience and features to retain users.

Pressure on companies to focus on app experience

With the introduction of cross-platform messaging, companies like WhatsApp will face increased pressure to prioritize app experience and user satisfaction. As users gain the option to communicate with users on various platforms, companies must strive to retain their existing user base by offering compelling features, seamless integration, and an intuitive user interface. This competition among messaging apps will ultimately benefit users, as companies will be motivated to enhance their app experiences to stay ahead.

Google Chat also testing cross-platform messaging features

WhatsApp is not the only messaging app testing cross-platform messaging features. Google Chat, another popular messaging app, is also exploring interoperability. However, unlike WhatsApp, Google Chat’s interoperability is currently limited to other communication platforms for businesses, such as Microsoft Teams and Slack. This use case demonstrates the potential of cross-platform messaging to enable seamless communication across different ecosystems.

In conclusion, WhatsApp’s testing of the ‘third-party chats’ feature reflects the growing demand for interoperability among messaging apps. By allowing users to interact with individuals on other platforms without needing to download additional apps, WhatsApp is embracing the EU’s push for cross-platform communication. This development highlights the importance of user freedom and competition within the messaging app landscape. As more apps like Google Chat also explore cross-platform messaging, users can look forward to a more connected digital experience.