One of the world’s most used messaging applications will no longer work on some mobile devices: WhatsApp. The ‘app’ owned by Meta has announced major changes to device compatibility that will affect some users from October 2023.
To date, the messaging platform is available on Android OS 4.1 and above; iOS 12 and above and KaiOS 2.5.0 and above; Including JioPhone and JioPhone 2.
As WhatsApp reported via its blog, Starting October 24, 2023, only devices running Android 5.0 and above will be supported.
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Given the constant evolution of devices and software, The company conducts frequent reviews to determine which operating systems will continue to be supported by its platform.
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Every year, WhatsApp identifies systems that have become obsolete or whose user base has decreased. These systems often do not have the latest security updates or do not offer the functionality necessary for the application to function optimally.
Users will not be left uninformed if operating systems are no longer supported. The ‘App’ allows people to receive notifications within the platform before any changes are made, encouraging them to make relevant updates.
WhatsApp announced that its channels are available in more than 150 countries, offers users a new way to receive “relevant” updates exclusively.
This functionality is available to thousands of entities, including organisations, sports teams, artists and intellectuals, who now have a direct space to connect with people on the app.
The company emphasized on its blog that these channels operate independently of traditional chats to protect privacy. Users who follow a channel will not be able to notice who else is following them, thus ensuring privacy for both administrators and channel members.
Among the new features introduced by the messaging application, users will find an improved directory that will allow them to discover channels based on their location and trending channels based on their number of followers.
Additionally, followers will now be able to interact to express their opinions using emojis in updates, but these reactions will be private and not visible to others.
An upcoming feature will be that administrators will have the ability to modify their posts within a 30-day period. After this period, WhatsApp will delete this information from its servers.
Another addition is the option to resend updates. Doing this will add a link to the channel and give buyers the opportunity to access more details.
*This content was prepared with the help of artificial intelligence, based on information published by WhatsApp, and was reviewed by a journalist and editor.
DANIELA GONZÁLEZ
DIGITAL COVERAGE EDITORIAL
TIME
Source: Exame
