WhatsApp — one of the most used chat apps on the planet is now testing the most sought-out feature on its app called multi-device support.
As it is, you can use the app on only one device, and that for most people is there phone. You can use the web clientor the desktop app to chat with your friends and family, but your phone has to be connected to the internet.
Recently, the company confirmed that it’s working on a feature that will let you link four devices to one account.Good news on the face of it meaning that you can use each device independently, as long as you have an internet connection
Multiple devices connected to an account for a chat app is not new venture as Telegram for instance, uses its cloud to let you use the app on multiple devices independently. Only thing is these messages are not protected by end-to-end encryption a hallmark feature for WhatsApp.
Currently, WhatsApp uses your phone to generate keys for end-to-end encryption. Your desktop clients are just mirrors for that. For multi-device communication, that method is not effective. So WhatsApp needs to store secure combinations of identities of all your linked devices.
Plus, the company says it has developed a technology called Automatic Device Verification to verify your linked devices automatically when sending messages. Till now, if you had to link a device — mostly your desktop client — to your phone’s WhatsApp account, you had to scan a QR code. But for the multi-device function, you’ll also need to provide biometric authentication.
Jordan Casey of Hub/SCNE gave his thoughts on the subject to Ollie and Maria .Have a listen to Jordan's chat with us on The Big Breakfast Blaa...
