WhatsApp, the ubiquitous messaging platform, has become so large and popular.
What began as a straightforward app offering only a simple method for quick and easy communication, has grown significantly large, thanks to its acquisition by Facebook. And here, WhatsApp continues to add features, many of which are aimed to ease the process of using the app, and to also add conveniency.
This time, WhatsApp is adding a way for users to easily add and manage the contacts they have on linked devices.
In a blog post, WhatsApp said that:
"Until now, the only place you were able to add contacts was from your mobile device, by either typing in a phone number or scanning a QR code. Soon, you’ll be able to add and manage contacts from the comfort of your keyboard on WhatsApp Web and Windows – and eventually other linked devices."
it's true, you no longer have to reach for your phone add or edit your contacts from whichever linked device you're on pic.twitter.com/AKtYTqVZRD
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) October 22, 2024
Additionally, WhatsApp is also introducing a new choice to save a contact exclusively to WhatsApp.
"These WhatsApp contacts are ideal for when you are sharing your phone with others or if you want to separate personal and business contacts when managing more than one WhatsApp account on your phone," explained WhatsApp.
"Contacts you save to WhatsApp will be restored in case you ever lose your phone or change devices."
These updates pave the way for managing and saving contacts by usernames on WhatsApp.
With this added feature, users gain an extra layer of privacy, eliminating the need to share their phone number to message someone.
This makes WhatsApp having a feature that is pretty much similar to BlackBerry, back in its days when it pioneered a way for users to add others through their PINs.
To enable this, Meta, formerly known as Facebook, the parent company of WhatsApp, said in a separate web page, that it has designed a method called Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS).