WhatsApp is launching WhatsApp Desktop and Web in beta capacity in order to gather user feedback before publicly rolling out its much-expected support for multiple devices.
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WhatsApp Desktop and Web betas now available
As part of its upcoming multi-device feature that will let you use WhatsApp on multiple devices at once, the Facebook-owned company has now made available a public beta of WhatsApp Desktop and WhatsApp Web, according to findings byWABetaInfowhich specializes in reverse-engineering the app to unearth unreleased features.
This lets you test work-in-progress features, the site notes:
Being a beta tester for WhatsApp Desktop, you may start testing some new features. When you install this build, you can test a new experience while recording voice messages, thanks to waveforms and the possibility to listen to the voice message before sending it, already under development on WhatsApp for Android and iOS.
The multi-device beta is an opt-in program that gives you early access to try a new version of WhatsApp for Web, Desktop and Portal. If you join the multi-device beta, you’ll be able to use linked companion devices without the need to keep your phone connected.
Multi-device support recently began rolling out across WhatsApp’s iOS and Android apps.
How to join WhatsApp multi-device beta
The multi-device beta is currently available to eligible WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business app beta users in limited countries using the latest version of WhatsApp beta on iOS and Android. The company acknowledges in a support document on theWhatsApp websitethat the multi-device feature will be rolling out worldwide.
If you have multi-device beta, open the in-app settings and choose “Linked Devices” from the list. Now choose the option labeled “Multi-Device Beta,” then select “Join Beta”.
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This feature allows you to use WhatsApp simultaneously on four devices.
Limitations of the current WhatsApp multi-device beta
Currently, you must have one phone connected to your WhatsApp account at one time. Also, you’re still required to link new devices with your phone. These requirements will go away once the feature launches publicly, a WhatsApp spokesperson toldTechRadar:
Multi-device means that users will have the same functionality that is available on the current public versions of WhatsApp Web, Desktop and Portal, just without the need to have your phone connected. Our multi-device capability immediately makes the experience better for people who use Desktop/Web and Portal. And it also will make it possible to add support for more kinds of devices over time.
WhatsApp used to only be available on one device at a time, with Desktop and Web support mirroring your phone. This is inconvenient because your phone must be turned on and have an active internet connection for this to work. Multi-device support will fix those woes.
Keep in mind that certain features are currently unsupported in the current beta, like viewing live location on companion devices, pinning chats WhatsApp Web or Desktop, calling from Portal or WhatsApp Desktop to linked devices that aren’t enrolled in the multi-device beta, etc.
