WhatsApp multi-device support has begun to be rolled out for beta testers, and it will work even if your phone is idle

WhatsApp Multi-device support feature. Know more…

Thursday, 15th July 2021

WhatsApp has finally begun to introduce the long-awaited multi-device feature, allowing users not only to access instant messaging applications on their mobile phones but also on up to four non-mobile devices at the same time. The new development was initially a limited public beta test, and it was rumored to exist behind the scenes a few months ago. WhatsApp stated that it "must rethink" its architecture and design a new system so that it can support multiple devices in its final form. The Facebook-owned company also claims to protect your privacy and end-to-end encryption while enabling new experiences.

Although WhatsApp has been allowing users to simultaneously access its platform on assistive devices (such as desktops or laptops) for some time, the latest update aims to provide a separate multi-device experience where users cannot even access their mobile phones that need to be connected. To the Internet, otherwise, you may even be disconnected. This is useful in many situations.

So, for example, even if your phone battery is dead, you can still use the new multi-device feature to access WhatsApp on your laptop. If your phone’s Internet connection is unstable but your desktop is connected to a stable network, this will also be reflected.

WhatsApp has been working on multi-device capabilities in the past few months; some references indicate its progress since July 2019. The company said it has developed new technology to maintain end-to-end encryption while retaining your data, such as message history, contact names, and starred messages. Sync seamlessly between all devices.

"WhatsApp multi-devices uses the client fan-out method, where the WhatsApp client sending the message encrypts it and transmits it N times to N different devices, which are in the device list of the sender and the receiver" the company Explained in the detailed post. "Each message is individually encrypted using a peer-to-peer encrypted session established with each device. Once the message is sent, it will not be stored on the server."

In addition to messages, WhatsApp also retains the information available on multiple devices End-to-end encryption of voice and video calls. The company also said that it will synchronize data such as message history and application status data, including contact names and whether chats are archived or whether messages are starred on all devices. It also claims that the data synchronized between devices is end-to-end encrypted.

Also Read: New Feature by Microsoft Teams May Allow Phones to be Used as Walkie Talkie.

WhatsApp updated its security brief, detailing how you can achieve support for multiple devices while maintaining the same level of encryption that you provide on a single device.

"As of July 14, 2021, users can have multiple devices, each with its own set of encryption keys. If a device's encryption keys are compromised, attackers will not be able to use them to decrypt messages sent to other devices, even devices registered for the same user, "the company said in its whitepaper.

How to get WhatsApp multi-device capability

WhatsApp initially offered its multi-device capabilities to a "small group of users" who are already part of its Beta program. However, even stable version users plan to add beta optin access, which will be available through the linked device screen in the future.

By providing extensive support for multiple devices, WhatsApp makes it easy for users to access its messaging platform through devices such as the web, macOS, Windows, and even the Facebook Portal. The timing of the new update is also interesting because people currently work remotely and spend more time on computing devices (such as desktops or laptops) via mobile phones.

WhatsApp is also expected to provide native support to the iPad. Although it appears to be still in development and not ready for users yet, the multi-device feature can even work on the iPad as a temporary replacement.

It should be noted that, like WhatsApp, Apple's iMessage has been dedicated to providing multi-device support on Apple devices for some time. Telegram also supports multiple devices, but this does not apply to end-to-end encryption and is limited to cloud chats, not to sync your secret chats. On the other hand, Signal allows users to access the service on their desktop (or up to 5 paired devices) but requires that they connect by phone to send and receive messages.

The News Talkie Bureau

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