WhatsApp finally confirmed support for multiple device use in the coming months. It means that users could then open their accounts even if they are using at least four devices at the same time.
Additionally, the company also said that it is also working on two new features, namely "disappearing mode" and "view once."
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: A persons finger is posed next to the Whatsapp app logo on an iPhone on August 3, 2016 in London, England.
Rumors about the said feature have been going around since last year, or on August 11, 2020, to be exact. Security experts even had to butt in due to the risks it poses.
While the rumor has long been quiet, WABetaInfo's interview with Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook CEO, and Will Cathcart, WhatsApp CEO, have ignited the fire again -- and this time around, it came directly from the company executives themselves.
But iPad users might be disappointed with the latest news. Although earlier rumors mentioned a WhatsApp on iPad, Cathcart did not confirm that it is coming soon. However, there is still hope as he noted that there could be a possibility to it.
WhatsApp Multiple Device Use: Security Concerns
As mentioned, the multi-device feature worries some cybersecurity experts. They argue that it could expose the accounts of users to unauthorized access.
Nevertheless, it could really be convenient for existing users to access their accounts regardless of what device they are using. But, at the same time, it could also be favorable to hackers, or anyone trying to invade someone's privacy.
With that, Zuckerberg assured that despite the multiple device access, the messages remain end-to-end encrypted.
In addition, the Facebook CEO highlighted its benefits: "It's been a big technical challenge to get all your messages and content to sync properly across devices even when your phone battery dies, but we've solved this and we're looking forward to getting it out soon!"
Cathcart also said that it will be available in beta in one to two months.
'View Once' and 'Disappearing Mode'
Zuckerberg also confirmed that the "disappearing mode" is coming to the app. It allows users to set a time when their messages will be gone in a chat thread, GizmoChina reported.
Currently, WhatsApp only allows a minimum of seven days for a message to automatically disappear.
Meanwhile, the "view one" feature will delete photos and videos once the recipient saw them. The two features are similar to Telegram and Instagram features. The latter is also owned by WhatsApp's parent company, Facebook.
There are also rumors that WhatsApp will soon allow transferring of accounts from one phone number to another. However, Zuckerberg and Cathcart did not mention it.
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Written by Teejay Boris
