WhatsApp: what it is, how it works, advantages and disadvantages

WhatsApp Messenger It is an instant messaging app created by Jan Koum and Brian Acton to work on smart devices (Smartphones) with different Operating Systems. This application allows you to send text messages or even multimedia content to any user who has an account on the platform, via internet connection.

Has become one of the apps with the highest demand in the market. That is why, below, we will explain everything you need about WhatsApp.

How does it work

WhatsApp uses the mobile data network or access to wireless cell phone connection for sending and receiving messages text or multimedia. Its operation is very simple, since it only requires the creation of a user account, which can be done for free using an active cell phone number that has not been registered by another person.

How to create an account

To create an account on WhatsApp Messenger you must download the app from the Marketplace that corresponds to the Operating System of the mobile in question, either or . Subsequently, you have to register the cell phone number that you intend to use and enter the verification code received via SMS.

Once the WhatsApp registration process is complete, you just have to enter user data: name and profile image. This way, the account will be activated and the user can start communicating with their contact list by sending text messages, images, audio, etc.

Features

This application incorporates a series of functions that are quite useful to any user, which are described below:

  • Sending messages: In addition to being able to share text messages, it allows you to send different types of files via an Internet connection. Among these are images or videossound files, GIFs, documents, location, contacts, etc.
  • Calls or video calls: WhatsApp allows you to make audio or video calls to one or more contacts in your phonebook, through the use of mobile or wireless networks.
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Note: In 2020 the platform increased the number of members allowed on group video calls to 8 people. Additionally, in March 2021 this extended to the web version.

  • Groups: was integrated as a WhatsApp feature in 2015, allowing create groups of up to 256 members to share information massively.
  • Dark mode: It was integrated in March 2020 and allows you to change the application interface to a dark tone for a more comfortable view.
  • Temporary messages: is one of the latest developments in the application. Allows sending messages that automatically disappear after 7 days.
  • Add contacts from QR code– This option provides the ability to add contacts to WhatsApp by scanning a QR code. To use it you have to click on the new chat icon, touch the QR icon and use the camera to scan the person’s code.
  • WhatsApp Web: It was integrated in 2015 and offers the option to access WhatsApp from a computer using the web version or the desktop app.
  • WhatsApp Statuses: It offers the possibility of uploading stories with images, text, video or GIF to WhatsApp, which disappear after 24 hours.
  • Stickers: This function allows you to send or receive stickers with different motifs.
  • Delete messages: It was integrated in the October 2017 update, allowing you to unsend messages, as long as it is done within 10 minutes.
  • Real time location: It is a function that integrates with Google Maps and makes it easy to send the person’s location in real time.
  • Change the speed in voice messages: allows you to modify the speed at which WhatsApp voice messages are played to 1.5x or 2.0x.
  • Message encryption: is a security feature that allows you to protect the messages of each chat to prevent them from being seen by strangers.
  • Message broadcast: allows you to send messages in bulk to several contacts at the same time, without having to create a group.
  • Double check: This function lets you know when the message was read. However, it can be disabled from the privacy settings.
  • Hide last connection time: It was integrated as a privacy function in WhatsApp, allowing you to hide the last connection time to the contact list.
  • Chat rooms with Messenger Rooms– This feature allows you to create chat rooms for calls with a maximum number of 50 members.
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Characteristics

The most popular instant messaging app in the world has various features, including:

  • Is compatible with different Operating Systems.
  • It can be used on different devices.
  • Add contacts to the phonebook automatically.
  • Allows you to share content of different formats.
  • Allows you to publish stories.
  • It is constantly updated.

Compatibility

WhatsApp is an application that can be used on different operating systemsTherefore, the list of compatible devices ranges from Smartphones to computers and Tablets. However, in the case of cell phones it is important take into account the requirements technicians.

Besides, The app has a and a desktop app that can be downloaded from and use on Windows or Mac computers. It should be noted that it is possible to use WhatsApp in different browsers: Opera, Chrome, Firefox and Safari.

Advantages

Among the advantages or positive qualities of WhatsApp, we can mention its compatibility with different devices, but the following are also included:

  • Has a easy to understand interface and use.
  • It’s a free service.
  • Allows you to make a backup of the stored information.
  • Fits easily to various screens.
  • It has a large number of servers Worldwide.

Disadvantages

Although WhatsApp is an app that offers great advantages, it also has certain disadvantages or negative aspects, such as:

  • You reduces the quality of the images that are sent.
  • The files sent they take up a lot of space on mobile.
  • Privacy settings can also be used in reversethat is, preventing both users from having access to the other’s information.
  • The constant updates of WhatsApp make the low-end phones become incompatible with the app.
  • Only allows 30 files to be sent at the same time, in the case of images or audio. Likewise, large videos should be cropped to multiple parts.
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In conclusion, WhatsApp Messenger is a super complete app that adds new functionalities over time and is positioned as one of the best on the market.

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