WhatsApp introduces a fresh function enabling dialogue with individuals lacking the app.
WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, is set to introduce a new feature called "Guest Chats". This innovative development aims to bridge the gap between WhatsApp users and those who do not have the app, enabling secure and easy communication without the need for account creation or app downloads.
How Guest Chats Work
A WhatsApp user can initiate a Guest Chat by generating and sharing an invitation link via SMS, email, or other messaging/social platforms. When a non-user clicks this link, they are taken to a temporary chat interface similar to WhatsApp Web. The chat is end-to-end encrypted within WhatsApp's ecosystem, ensuring privacy and security.
It's important to note that Guest Chats are one-to-one only; group chats are not supported. The system operates fully under WhatsApp's infrastructure, ensuring a consistent experience and privacy.
Limitations of Guest Chats
While Guest Chats offer a convenient way to communicate with non-users, they do come with some limitations. For instance, media sharing such as photos, videos, and GIFs cannot be sent during Guest Chats. Additionally, voice or video messages, and audio or video calls cannot be initiated within Guest Chats. Chats are text-only and temporary, designed mainly for one-time or casual communication.
Expanding WhatsApp's Services
The development of Guest Chats indicates an expansion of WhatsApp's services, potentially helping the platform reach a larger audience. The feature is currently in beta testing and expected to be rolled out in a future WhatsApp update. It's also speculated that this development may contribute to WhatsApp's compliance with European Union regulations on interoperability between messaging platforms.
In summary, WhatsApp Guest Chats enable secure text messaging with non-users via browser-accessed temporary chats initiated through invite links. While functional limitations such as no media or calls exist, this feature offers a lightweight and easy communication solution without the need for account creation or app downloads.
- With Guest Chats, WhatsApp users can communicate easily with individuals who don't have the app, as the feature allows for secure text messaging through a temporary chat interface, accessible via an invitation link.
- As part of its expansion efforts, WhatsApp is testing Guest Chats, a new feature that enables secure text-only communication between users and non-users, potentially helping the platform reach a wider audience.
