WhatsApp Web was introduced way back in 2015 with much fanfare, but the standalone app always had a drawback, which is the requirement of your phone nearby to the laptop or PC. However, things might change very soon as WhatsApp Web will soon get a Universal Windows Platform that was developed by Microsoft. WABetaInfo, the website which tracks all details about WhatsApp has reported this news stating it as a 'rumour,' meaning take this news with a pinch of salt. The UWP app and the new multi-platform system which WhatsApp is developing right now will allow users to chat on their desktop app without the requirement of a phone. In some cases, your phone might be switched off, or you might be away from your phone, in such instances, the upcoming feature will be handy. Notably, WhatsApp rival app, Telegram has a similar feature on offer for a few years now.
WhatsApp Web May No Longer Requires Your Phone to Function
To recall, WhatsApp Web was introduced way back in 2015, and immediately, it became one of the most useful features of the all-time. Right now, WhatsApp Web can be used only when your phone is nearby and has an active internet connection, and it's considered as a drawback by many. With Telegram rolling out the UWP feature ahead of WhatsApp, it's much-needed for the Facebook-owned company to come up with a similar feature.
"And yes, according to my rumour, UWP + the new multi-platform system = you can use WhatsApp UWP on your PC if your phone (Android, iOS or Windows Phone) is off," tweeted WABetaInfo. At the moment, WABetaInfo mentions it as a rumour, and there is no evidence to prove that the feature is in works, so take this news with a grain of salt for now.
It'll be interesting to see when WhatsApp is planning to roll out the feature, considering Telegram is already ahead in this aspect. For the unaware, Telegram allows its users to send and receive messages without the requirement of a mobile app or the phone in which Telegram is installed.
WhatsApp Web Getting New Set of Features
WhatsApp has been rolling out new features to its mobile apps (Android and iOS) and to its desktop app as well. Very recently, WhatsApp Web received Picture-in-Picture feature which now allows users to watch videos from YouTube or Instagram right from the chat screen itself. First up, the company rolled out PiP 1.0, which just allowed users to view videos within the WhatsApp app. Later on, WhatsApp added Picture-in-Picture 2.0, that allows users to play the videos in other apps as well.
WhatsApp Web did not receive any major features or design refresh since its inception, compared to the mobile apps. Very soon, WhatsApp will be adding Dark Mode, new privacy controls and more features to both the Android and iOS mobile apps. Dark Mode on both Android and iOS is one of the much-anticipated features of all time.
