For the tech space, a lot of progression and development are coming fast at the heels of each other.
WhatsApp is an instant messaging platform owned by Facebook Inc. that connects over 1.5 billion users across 180 countries all over the world. The popular messaging platform promises fast, simple and secure messaging and calls on different phones all over the world.
Read more about Whatsapp
In a bid to maintain relevance especially in the rave of e-commerce, the company introduced the WhatsApp Business App for small business owners to connect with their customers different from their personal accounts. It comes with an automated reply that responds to messages immediately and allows the business owner to create a catalogue to showcase their products and services. For medium and large businesses, WhatsApp provides the WhatsApp Business API that provides customer support and delivers important notifications to customers.
As Whatsapp introduced the two-step pin verification in a bid to increase the security of accounts and groups and reduce the scam activities of hackers, the company has also introduced some developments that will take effect from February 2020. According to the company, the new development is to ensure the functionality and security of users.
iPhone
From February 1, 2020, iPhones with iOS 8 and other lesser versions will no longer have WhatsApp active on their phones. WhatsApp would require iPhones with iOS 9 or later to work. Phones with lesser versions should update the iPhone’s software to the latest version in order to continue using the app. Read more about it here.
Android
WhatsApp will only support android devices that are running on Android 2.3.7 or later and is able to receive calls or SMS during the verification process. Also, these devices need to be internet data enabled so that the app can remain functional when a Wi-Fi network is not available. Devices with Android versions 2.3.7 and older can no longer create new accounts or reverify existing accounts. However, they will be able to continue using WhatsApp until February 1, 2020.
Windows
From the said date, WhatsApp will only support Windows phones running on the OS Windows Phones 8.1+ and is able to receive calls or SMS during the verification process. Read more about it here.
Tablets
WhatsApp will only provide limited support to tablet users and does not support Wi-Fi only devices at this time.
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The Solution
Like in 2017 when WhatsApp discontinued support on most Blackberry and other listed devices, the implication of the app support being discontinued is that users will get error messages when attempting to send messages on the platform and will be unable to receive messages from other people.
The recommended solution will be to upgrade the OS of the affected device before the deadline to higher specifications that WhatsApp still enables. The alternative is to buy another device that the application supports its OS.
This will herald the end of the devices with the discontinued OS and increase the sales of smartphones with higher OS than previous.
As we approach the holiday season, click on the share button in the article to share this development with your friends so they can reach out to their loved ones with devices that fall into the categories listed above and take prompt action.
Drop a comment on this post to tell us what topics or opportunities you would like to know or read about here.
Featured Image Source: Windows Report
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