WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp for mobile

The messaging application most used on all mobile platforms surprised at the end of January with a version for computers A tool that allows users to continue receiving and sending messages through WhatsApp but from the comfort of a computer, with larger screen and a full physical keyboard. However, it is a useful feature and also highly criticized by all those users who have already verified the advantages of other alternatives such as Telegram or LINE, which also have a version for computers.At the moment it is a first version of what WhatsApp can do through a browser. Quite complete and useful, but with some differences from its version for smartphones Here we analyze those similarities and differences.

Design

One of the first surprises that the initial users of WhatsApp Web got is the visual aspect of this tool. And it is that it is not only a mere functional reflection of the mobile application, but also visually. Thus, it picks up the lines of the Material Design style that Google is trying to universalize before the arrival of your operating system Android 5.0 Lollipop Regardless of whether WhatsApp Web is also accessed by web users Windows Phone Something that is noticeable in the profile photos, which on the computer have a circular format , as well as the different icons that appear are boxes.Positioned on the background without frills or superfluous elements. All this with the flat colors of WhatsApp Issues that many mobile users are not going to be able to enjoy until they update their terminals to Android 5.0

Extra functions

Do not lose sight of the fact that WhatsApp Web is a service that reflects everything that happens in the application mobile of the user. Although, this first version has not come with the same features as the original application. Thus, cannot record or send videos, neither can location orcontact information Logical issues, on the other hand, since computers do not usually have GPS to know the exact point where they are, nor do they have access to the contact book of the terminal.

In this way, the user of WhatsApp Web can see through the computer the videos , songs, photos, locations, and phone numbers sent to you via WhatsApp But you can only take photos via the webcam or send images already previously stored on the computer Don't forget thevoice messages, which are present both to send and receive through this service.

Chat management

For now, until the calls from WhatsApp, the key way to communicate through this service is direct messages and free through chats or conversations However, if these conversations cannot be started from WhatsApp Web , Little more can be done.This is what happens with the chats in groups, a possibility that has not reached the messaging service for computers, despite the fact that it is possible on mobile phonescreate true gatherings with up to 200 members

Thus, in WhatsApp Web the only possibility is to start a new individual chat with any of the listed WhatsApp contacts In this way, and although you can actively participate in group chats, it is not possible to start them from zero nor manage them as an administrator. A bug that is expected to be corrected by the WhatsApp team in future versions.

Notifications

If WhatsApp has achieved something, it is that users are more aware of their mobile than ever.The unread messages and group conversations, above all, generate an almost continuous flow of information through the terminal, so you must be aware of the notifications if you don't want to miss anything. Something that has been brought to WhatsApp Web, where the browser Chrome on the that works has some interesting options. In this way, it is possible to be alerted of new messages even though the user is using another program on the computer, as long as you have Google Chrome and WhatsApp Web active These are the desktop promptsthat display messages in the bottom corner of the screen. Something that can be accompanied or not by sound, depending on the user's discretion.

We also don't forget the option to mute notifications, very present in this version for computers.Of course, it is impossible to apply this silencer to conversations selectively Notifications are silenced all or nothing.

Comfort

Without a doubt it is the point where it stands out the most WhatsApp Web And it is that having a larger screen and keyboard is always the best option for writing and reading. In addition, it is a much more comfortable option for those who spend long periods of time working on a computer , thus avoiding changing your posture or having to reach for your mobile, unlock it and access WhatsApp to answer. But this is only part of the advantages of using WhatsApp Web over WhatsApp for mobile

On the other hand, there is the great energy savings that the user can achieve with this service for computers.And it is that using WhatsApp Web means not having to constantly turn on the screen of the mobile terminal to check and reply to messages. While the phone continues notifying, vibrating, and ringing when messages arrive, it's still an energy savings users will notice at the end of the day.

Of course WhatsApp mobile offers portability and privacy , being able to take conversations to bed, to the bathroom or to any corner without carrying a computer. It also has all the extra features of the mobile such as two photographic cameras, microphone, GPS and wireless connectivity However, this may not be the best option when you're in front of your computer.

Conclusions

There is little point in comparing face to face two services from the same application And you have to understand WhatsApp Web more like a plugin than a new tool.An option that users who tend to spend more time in front of the computer can use simple and, above all, much more comfortable With a large screen, a full keyboard and many other extra options that accompany such as being able to send links to web pages quickly and easily and always saving mobile battery

Of course, he still has a long way to go. A better content management, the ability to forward messages between conversations or evenmanage group conversations. Something that could help community managers and other professionals to take advantage of this function in the messaging application.

Something that, however, will be far from the radar of those users who are predominantly mobile, who do not spend time in front of the computer, either working, in class or at home.And is that what better than having WhatsApp on a small and private screen that you can take anywhere?

In short, a tool for those who want to use it for convenience, but that still needs to evolve to meet the same needs as WhatsApp on mobile phones.