Reviews

WhatsApp Review

The coverage of the audience grows rapidly. More and more users register in the messengers on a daily basis. WhatsApp is a free multi-platform application for communication created in 2009. Nowadays, it is widely used in 169 countries around the world. The latest data shows that the software has topped the list of the most popular global mobile messaging apps in 2021. In this WhatsApp app review, we’re going to reveal and consider all the basics of the messenger, including the platform’s interface, security, services, and sign-up forms.

Messenger Features

  1. Fee-free international communication. The messenger uses a Wi-Fi or cellular connection to process voice and text messages, as well as make calls, to any users from any corner of the world. Interlocutors can both chat in pairs and create group conferences, which is convenient for families and small work teams. The application allows users to get in touch with interlocutors via audio and video calls, exchange documents, and messages, as well as video and photo content.
  2. Since 2016, WhatsApp has become free. Nowadays, no subscription is required.
  3. The messenger uses EDGE and Wi-Fi, as well as 2G-5G types of connection. The application works smoothly with a stable connection in 3G/4G LTE networks, wired Internet, and Wi-Fi. In 2G mobile networks, only sending messages is available.
  4. The app supports all modern devices, including iOS and Android smartphones, computers, and Mac or Windows laptops. While a whole range of functionalities is available on smartphones, a web version for desktop devices allows sending and receiving messages only but not making calls.
  5. Clients can create video conferences and group chats with up to 8 users. The utility allows the creation of groups for communication with up to 256 participants.
  6. Integration with the phone’s address book. Upon installing the app and signing in, the phone’s address book is automatically synchronized. WhatsApp can also identify people from your contact list who are using the app.
  7. The messenger automatically saves phone numbers, website addresses, and nicknames for further speed dialing.
  8. An intuitive and responsive interface simplifies the user experience and navigation within the utility.
  9. The program provides an opportunity to send contact information to another user or block unwanted users. A search feature implies a search by contact name, keyword, group, or phone number.

All these features determine the popularity of the messenger on the market. Thorough development of all tools brought WhatsApp to the leading position in its segment.

WhatsApp Platforms

As all WhatsApp messenger reviews state, the application works on various operating systems of phones and computers, so you can continue chatting anytime and anywhere. WhatsApp takes advantage of Wi-Fi and mobile networks to make personal or group calls, reducing the need for costly calls.

The utility is compatible with the following types of platforms:

  • Windows
  • Mac
  • Android
  • iOS
  • iPad

How to Install the App?

The nuances of downloading, installing, and configuring the WhatsApp utilities depend on the device on which the user plans to install the software. To quickly start the messenger, a shortcut is automatically created on the desktop of the device – a handset in a green circle.

Software Installation to Mobile Gadgets

The messenger is installed on an Android phone from the official Google Play app store. The iPhone version of the setup file is available to download from the App Store app. The procedure is as follows:

  1. Open the Google Play on Android or the App Store on an Apple gadget.
  2. Enter the name of the program in the search line.
  3. In the output window, the search engine offers the software first in the list. Open the top line with the corporate logo of the messenger. Initiate the installation by clicking on the appropriate ‘Download’/’Install’ button.
  4. Wait until the setup file is downloaded.
  5. Install the utility.

Software Installation to Desktop Devices

Versions of the messenger for operating systems Windows 8/10 and Mac OS X 10.10 and newer are available for download on the official website of the software developer. The installation procedure is as follows:

  1. Open the official website of the messenger in a browser.
  2. Find the “Download” tab and start the installation.
  3. Open the “Download” folder on your computer and run the downloaded distribution pack (a file with the *.exe extension).
  4. Wait for the program to complete the installation.
  5. Launch the installed messenger and “read” the client’s QR code using the smartphone’s camera to synchronize the profile on the PC with the account on your mobile phone.

WhatsApp Interface

Let’s proceed with our WhatsApp desktop review and turn to the analysis of the interface of the messenger. It is simple and understandable for newbies. Getting acquainted with a new platform won’t cause any trouble. Even unskilled users will easily figure out how to use WhatsApp. Navigation is represented by three tabs:

  • “Chats”;
  • “Status”;
  • “Calls”.

The first one is designed for correspondence in private and group chats with the ability to send and receive media files. The second tab keeps the information about the owner of the account. The third one is for making audio and video calls. All navigation screens have buttons to open the search bar and voice menu.

WhatsApp Security

WhatsApp reviews security is characterized by the application of an end-to-end encryption protocol and a number of advanced measures.

All content passing through the platform is reliably protected. The algorithm implies that only a sender and recipient can read them. This means that even WhatsApp’s administration will not be able to read your message, even if developers want to. The app does not keep your personal datum, and only those people that you have approved as contacts can message you.

It also uses two-factor authentication, which requires users to enter a code sent to their phones via text message to access their accounts. Note that when registering a new account, you can use a fake WhatsApp number OTP to secure your mobile experience and ensure 100% confidentiality. Virtual online phones allow bypassing the necessity to enter real phones and protecting against hacker attacks and all the connected illegal actions in this regard.

Current Updates of the Confidentiality Policy

In 2020, WhatsApp adopted new privacy settings that gave users more control over the app. The app has received more privacy options for status features.

It is possible to add or remove users from the “Except My Contacts” list for each updated status, thus, providing more privacy and control over the information that you share in the application.

In addition, a new call-waiting feature allows users to receive an incoming WhatsApp call while being on a call on another phone.

Comparison Chart of WhatsApp and its Competitors

ProvisionWhatsAppTelegramSignalFacebook Messenger
Year of launching2009201320142011
Amount of usersover 2 billionover 700 millionover 900 millionover 1.3 billion
End-to-end encryptionYesYesYesYes
Phone number requiredYesYesYesYes
Supported platformsWindows, Mac, Android, iOS, iPadiPhone, Android, Windows Phone, WindowsAndroid, iOS, Windows, MacOS, LinuxWindows 10 Mobile, Tizen, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry OS,  Windows 10

 

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