In a first for WhatsApp, usernames may replace phone numbers | Tech News

In a first for WhatsApp, usernames may replace phone numbers

This upcoming update will likely revolutionise the way users identify and connect with each other on the platform. WABetaInfo has revealed this information after it sifted through the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.15 update.

By: HT TECH
| Updated on: May 25 2023, 18:33 IST
WhatsApp outage! Popular messenger app goes down, leaves users furious; still not working after 80 min
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1/6 WhatsApp outage has hit users across India. WhatsApp down is trending on social media as the messaging app isn't responding for more than 25,000 users, as per the reports on DownDetector. (Bloomberg)
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2/6 WhatsApp not working complaints started at around 12:20 PM in India. As of writing this WhatsApp outage is still continuing, much to the disappointment and dismay of the readers. Thousands of users have become frustrated with not being able to use the platform. (Pixabay)
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3/6 WhatsApp outage has made the app totally unresponsive, resulting in users not being able to send or receive messages. Many have also complained that they were unable to even update status on the app. (Pixabay)
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4/6 WhatsApp is yet to provide any reason behind this outage, and so is Meta, its owner. Some users are also complaining of service outages on Instagram, although that is much lesser at this point. (REUTERS)
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5/6 According to user reports on Twitter, the issue is not exclusive to India. Indonesia is also facing the same issue and it could be spread to some other regions as well. (Reuters)
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6/6 Many users have taken to Twitter to complain about the issue as they are not able to send important messages. WhatsApp Business account owners are also unable to operate their business and resolve any customer query due to the problem. It is not known when the app might begin working again. (MINT_PRINT)
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With the next version, Whatsapp is likely to replace phone numbers with usernames, says WABetaInfo. (AP)

WhatsApp, one of the most popular instant messaging platforms in the world, is actively working on rolling out a significant change. In fact, it is likely to change the very foundation of its relationship with users. It is being reported that, in a first for WhatsApp, it will likely replace phone numbers with usernames. This was revealed by WABetaInfo and the upcoming update will revolutionise the way users identify and connect with each other on the platform. WABetaInfo reported this after it explored the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.23.11.15 update. A screenshot shared by WABetaInfo reveals that WhatsApp is actively working on implementing a username feature in the Profile section of the app's settings menu.

With usernames, users can choose a personalised identifier that is easier to remember than a phone number. This change not only streamlines the communication process but also reduces the reliance on sharing personal contact information. Users will have more control over their privacy, as they can share their usernames with select individuals while keeping their phone numbers private.

The implementation of usernames is expected to integrate seamlessly with WhatsApp's existing end-to-end encryption, which ensures that messages and calls remain secure and inaccessible to unauthorised parties.

As the feature is still in development, it is crucial to note that further details regarding the exact functionality and availability will likely be provided by WhatsApp in due course. The upcoming months are anticipated to bring beta testing opportunities for users to experience and provide feedback on the username feature.

Furthermore, alongside the username feature, WhatsApp is likely to introduce an improved interface for the group settings screen. This update aims to simplify the management of group chats by allowing users to toggle settings directly from the screen. By eliminating the need to open separate windows for each option, this update will save users time and offer a more intuitive experience when configuring group settings.

WhatsApp's commitment to innovation and user-centric improvements remains evident with these upcoming features. The introduction of usernames and the enhanced group settings interface are poised to enhance user convenience, privacy, and overall satisfaction with the messaging platform.

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First Published Date: 25 May, 18:33 IST
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