WhatsApp is a simple application to easily exchange short messages, e.g. links, and pictures, and perform audio and video calls amongst a number of people.
It is available on virtually any device/operating system: smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops.
Easy authentication based on mobile subscriber number.
Functionality
[edit]- Adding new participants
- New participants only receive future messages
- New users should enter their name and about
- Inviting others:
- You can invite others via a unique link
- The coordinator can add others by their mobile number (add name in mobile contacts)
- The admins has additional rights
- There exist a companion browser app (easily activated via QR code) ⇒ mobile device needs to be reachable
- There exist a desktop app
- Configure the group (logo, description)
- Send a message to oneself (kind of todo list, and prepare messages)
- Navigation:
- Get all messages from one participant by clicking on their name
- See groups membership
- Show a group from a person group membership
- Search in all messages
Graphical interfaces
[edit]It is very handy to install the app on a desktop/laptop.
- Native app on smartphone
- Web application via https://web.whatsapp.com
- App on Windows
Storage
[edit]- There is no central database. Everyone is storing ones own copy of the messages (where is the membership stored?)
- Newcomers only see future messages (like in Google Meet)
- Everyone can remove any local message
- You can only remove your own messages from others' devices
Media
[edit]- URLs can be easily posted; the first image on the page is shown as a miniature
Usage
[edit]- Urgently distribute short messages
- Coordinating events
- Collaboratively editing Wikipedia articles
- Prepare meetings
Security
[edit]- Identification by mobile number (no login)
- The groups are closed
- New members have to be invited by URL, or added by an admin
- The admin can remove (bad behaving) participants
- Make sure you have multiple admins per group (to avoid losing control)
- You can disable AI functions via Group information -> Advanced privacy for chats
Known problems
[edit]- You need to add the mobile number of the others in your contact list to see the name instead of the number (profile names of new participants are not automatically replicated)