WhatsApp Multi-Platform System Confirmed, Will Allow Same Account to Run on Many Devices

WhatsApp was recently rumoured to bring a multi-platform system, enabling users to activate one account on a lot of devices. WhatsApp features tracker WABetaInfo now says that this is no longer a rumour, and is confirmed news. The tracker hasn't mentioned any other details like launch timeline or a screenshots to support the claim, but just says that the multi-platform system feature is indeed in the works. WABetaInfo says that this includes WhatsApp for Windows (UWP), which brings the ability to use WhatsApp on your PC as well.

The tracker says that the multi-platform system will work on iPhone, Android, iPad, and even WhatsApp for Windows (UWP) whenever it arrives. This means that users will be able to use the same WhatsApp account on multiple devices, without being kicked out of the main one. Users will be able to use their WhatsApp account on iPad (when the app becomes available) without uninstalling it from their iPhone. Similarly, the same WhatsApp account can be used on iOS and Android devices as well.

This feature was first spoken about alongside iOS beta 2.19.80.16. At that time, the tracker said that the feature is rumoured as there weren't any screenshots to support the claim. However, now that the multi-platform system is said to be confirmed, it could mean that WABetaInfo will share screenshots soon. The tracker had also said that ‘with the new system, WhatsApp is also improving their end-to-end encryption, because probably something needs to be changed, seen that the messages must be sent to more devices.

As explained above, this feature will also enable users to be able to use WhatsApp on their computer, without the necessity for an Internet connection on the phone, by using the UWP app that has been rumoured for a while now. Furthermore, it will also be possible to use the same account on Windows Phone and WhatsApp for Windows.

WhatsApp's new fingerprint feature may stop users from taking screenshots

Do you often take screenshots of your private chats on WhatsApp? As part of the company's security changes, a new authentication feature, if enabled, will prevent users from taking screenshots, according to WabetaInfo.

The Facebook-owned messaging app is reportedly testing a new fingerprint feature that would require users to scan their fingerprints to access chats. As a result, people who get a hold of your phone will not be able to send or read your private messages on WhatsApp. However, once enabled, users will no longer be able to capture screenshots.

The Android beta version 2.19.106, tested by WabetaInfo, said, "We do not know why WhatsApp decided to prevent screenshots when fingerprint is enabled."
It also provided a screenshot of an alert that read: "Fingerprint security - When enabled, fingerprint is required to open WhatsApp and conversation screenshots are blocked. You can still reply to messages from notifications and answer calls if WhatsApp is locked."
 WhatsApp won't be the only one to act on this. Streaming service Netflix also prevents its users from taking screengrabs of its videos.

On the other hand, Snapchat notifies people that their stories have been grabbed.

Doodle away

The new feature will also roll out animated stickers and doodles that will be included in WhatsApp sticker packs. Doodle UI will also users to edit photos by drawing on them or adding stickers. These stickers can also be grouped as categories such as "Favourite" so you can easily find the sticker you want to use. The UI feature, as shown below, looks similar to Instagram's doodle drawer.

 Earlier this month, the company released a statement that they would be releasing a new feature that would stop people from adding users automatically to group chats. Currently, being added to a group chat exposes your numbers to several others who you might not know. In addition, to minimise the spread of fake news on its platform, WhatsApp is testing the "Forwarding Info" and "Frequently Forwarded Message" feature that would let its over 1.5 billion users know how many times a message has been forwarded.