WhatsApp Web and LINE for PC
There is no doubt that the messaging service WhatsApp for computershas been made to wait. Even more so when other alternatives such as LINE already had their own application and program for computers PC and Mac , thus offering the opportunity to communicate comfortably from the computer, long before WhatsApp But is it better than the service Web? Features exclusive additions? We take a look at them head-to-head below.
Functioning
Before commenting on the initial section of the design, we must mention an important difference between the services of WhatsApp Web and LINE for computers And, while the first is a service provided through aweb page, the second, LINE, implies the download of an application (Windows 8) or a program (Windows 7) for the computer A job added for the user who, in addition, must have previously carried out the registering your email address A simple step, but hidden in the Settings menu of the application, where you caninsert said address and a password to secure the entire connection process.
With this, LINE for PC requires some previous configuration, then going to log in by entering the registered email and the password used . From this moment on, all its functionalities are ready to be used on the computer, differentiating themselves from the Internet browser and from other programs.
For its part, WhatsApp Web only requires scanning the QR codefrom your web page with smartphone, thus gaining access to the conversations to send and receive messages. A much easier process and simple, as well as agile
However. Once this initial process has been carried out in both LINE and in WhatsApp, it is possible to mark the option to always keep activate the account on the computer to avoid having to do it again every time you want to enjoy the convenience of writing messages from a computer.
Design
In this section we must mention the continuist style that messaging tools are adopting in their version for computers And it is that the convenient aspect of leaving the chats in a list on the left side of the screen, is maintained while the rest of the space is given over to conversation and content sent and received Of course, with some notable differences.
Thus, LINE for PC, especially its version for Windows 8, has a special adaptation. A main screen that allows you to have a global vision of the application, where all the active conversations are collectedand main contacts. From here you just have to click on the chat you want to access or on the contact to whom you want to start sending messages.Once this is done, its appearance returns to the standard, listing the active chats on the left and showing the messages on the bottom. right All this without highlighting especially with colors or shapes
For its part, WhatsApp Web follows a minimalist style very much to the letter of Material Design, the style created by Google for your version 5.0 of AndroidThis means having circular photos and simple colors, without lines or buttons. Icons and content only.
Extra features of LINE for PC
Now, what you really want to know is what both services can do besides send text messages Something in which LINE is clearly proclaimed the winner over WhatsApp And it is because, either because of its more extensive experience in this platform or because it is a program beyond a web page, it has more extended options.A good example is the possibility to send photos, but also videos and audio via a chat. Contents that WhatsApp Web at the moment only allows you to receive, but not send from your computer.
In addition, don't lose sight of the options for free calls and video calls over the Internet Features that multiply the possibilities of communication LINE, regardless of whether the other contact is also on a computer or via mobile. Features that, again, are far from WhatsApp Web, and even from the mobile application, which is still waiting for calls to arrive.
It also has greater security and privacy for users.On the one hand by its system of confirmation codes and verifications of account when using this service. On the other, by allowing the addition of users through a QR code and not through the phone number.
We cannot forget its most characteristic elements: the stickers or pegatinas Large emoticons that can be used to express more sensations and emotions beyond the classic Emoji-style faces. In addition, the collections purchased by the user also become available on the computer.
Extra functions of WhatsApp Web
There is little the most widespread messaging application can do on smartphones when it comes to its web version compared to LINE for computers And it is that it hardly complies with the same options that it has in the application: messaging, double blue check, sending photos, the possibility of receive all kinds of multimedia content such as videos, songs, voice messages or even contact information.
However, leave aside issues such as creating group chats Something with which LINE for PC does comply, or even the selective management of notificationsUndoubtedly, issues that will improve over time and due to user criticism, and will be completed in the future.
In its favor there are only two truly remarkable issues One is simplicity of its operation, which perfectly imitates what is seen in the application for mobiles, which in turn means a wholehelp for new users who want to take advantage of this more comfortable service on the computer.
On the other hand, there is the question of its number of users And it is that having more than 700 million monthly active users is the same as ensuring direct contact through this tool with any family member or friend whose number is stored in the phonebook.A feature that continues to be key so that this is chosen and not other messaging tools, despite being more complete and functional
Conclusions
These are two services that do not have to be in conflict And, after all, each application has your own public Thus, users who contact friends and family through LINEor who are used to making video calls, they can also do it through the computer with the comfort of a full physical keyboard and a larger screen. And the same with WhatsApp Web
Now, the differences are more than remarkable And it is that LINE has a program that is installed on the computer, enhancing many of its abilities.However, the time that WhatsApp has taken to adapt its service to the web after years of waiting, has left as a result a poor reflection of the application Both for not having the same possibilities, and for not adding new options Something that does not prevent not at all that it is a really comfortable tool for those who spend long periods of time on the computer, but it seems to have settled and not satisfy the new and advanced needs of current users.
