WhatsApp, the widely used messaging app, is about to undergo a significant change with its latest beta update for Android, known as version 2.23.19.8. WABetaInfo recently revealed a new feature called “Third-party chats.” This suggests that Meta’s encrypted messaging platform is moving closer to working on different devices and apps.
Even though this update is under development, you can get a quick look at what it might do by looking at the picture below. When it’s all done, users can look forward to lots of cool things this feature will offer
A Regulatory Shift
This beta release follows a significant shift in regulations. The European Commission has officially classified Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, as a “gatekeeper” under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). This has significant consequences, especially for communication apps like WhatsApp. They are now required to make sure their app can work smoothly with other messaging apps by March 2024.
Categorizing Big Tech Players
The EU made a list of six major tech companies they call “gatekeepers.” These are Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft. They divided these companies into different groups based on what they do. That’s why you see some companies in more than one group.
For example, Google offers many services that could be seen as gatekeeping services. These include things like Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Shopping. Google also has an ad delivery system, a web browser called Chrome, an operating system named Android, a search engine, and a video-sharing platform called YouTube.
Meta is another company that falls into different categories. They run two very popular social networks, Facebook and Instagram, along with a service called Meta Marketplace and an advertising platform. But in one specific category, messaging apps, Meta is the top player.
DMA’s Main Objective
The Digital Markets Act, as explained by the European Commission, aims to stop gatekeepers from putting unfair rules on users and to guarantee that critical digital services are easy to access. In the world of messaging apps, this means making sure people can talk to each other easily, no matter what app they’re using.
The Digital Markets Act (DMA), explained by the European Commission, aims to make sure big companies (gatekeepers) don’t make unfair rules for users. It also wants to make sure that important online services are easy for everyone to use. When it comes to messaging apps, this means they have to let people talk to each other easily, even if they’re using different apps.
Because of the rules in the Digital Markets Act (DMA), both Meta and Microsoft have said they want to create their own mobile app stores. This could change how apps are distributed. At the same time, the European Commission is checking if Apple’s iMessage, Microsoft’s Bing search engine, Edge browser, and advertising service follow the new rules.
WhatsApp’s latest test version suggests that soon, people will be able to chat easily across different devices and apps. The DMA is bringing in a new era of making digital stuff easy to use and giving people more choices. Keep an eye out for more updates as WhatsApp and other big tech companies adjust to these changes.
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