Your other messages soon in WhatsApp? Thank you Europe!

When it comes to relaying the update of an application following a European directive, it is rare that the consequences are so clearly positive for users. But in this case, it’s hard not to be happy that the rules imposed by the Digital Markets Act (DMA) have forced Meta to add to WhatsApp. A small revolution is possibly underway.

WhatsApp opens up to third-party messaging apps

Currently available in the WhatsApp Android beta (2.25.33.8), this new feature concerns support for discussions from third-party messaging services. Only a selection of users in Europe can try it at the moment, so it’s unclear when Meta will make it available to everyone. Especially since it still seems very incomplete, although very promising.

Optional, this interoperability-oriented feature allows, as its name suggests, to chat in WhatsApp with users from other messaging applications. This new feature offers two displays for the inbox: combined (all mailboxes in the same box) or separate (third-party solutions will have their own folder in the box).

In addition to messages, media and notifications are included, but certain features may not make the transition (status, ephemeral messages, stickers, etc.). Meta also clarifies that each email service maintains its practices around security and data management.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a free and secure instant messaging service that allows you to keep in touch with all your friends or family, you can download and install it on all platforms.

• License:
  Free license
• Author :
  WhatsApp
• Operating systems:
  Windows 10/11, macOS, Online Service, Android, iOS iPhone
• Category :
  Communication

Only your phone number can be shared and used by people from other apps on WhatsApp. Beware of blocked people as well, who can find you via another application this way.

For the moment, only the little-known BirdyChat is supported by WhatsApp. It remains to be seen which competing services (Signal, Telegram, Google Messages, etc.) will want to play the game and will make the effort to respect the constraints imposed by Meta to be integrated into WhatsApp. Likewise, support for chat groups is still under development.

While waiting for Meta to deploy and improve its solution, if this idea of ​​grouping your discussions in one place inspires you, head to the excellent Beeper application. Available on desktop and mobile, this free solution is reminiscent of Feu-Trillian and allows you to centralize WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, Signal, Google Messages and LinkedIn conversations.

Beeper

Beeper Cloud is an email solution that centralizes all your favorite email accounts in a single interface. Available as a mobile app or desktop software.

• License:
  Commercial license
• Author :
  Automattic Inc.
• Operating systems:
  macOS Intel / Apple Silicon, Linux, Online Service, Android, iOS iPhone / iPad
• Category :
  Communication