WhatsApp Web: beta version features multi-device access
Until now, you could only access WhatsApp Web from an external device. That’s about to change. A limited number of users can simultaneously connect to the app on up to four devices and use the messaging service on each of them independently of their smartphone.
No rumours, no sneak peaks into the source code of the beta versions. This time, there was an official announcement by Facebook.
Smartphones losing importance
Facebook is starting on a small scale and currently only giving a limited number of accounts access to the beta version. This version allows up to four non-smartphone devices to be connected to one WhatsApp account. Until now, users have only been able to connect one additional device via WhatsApp Web, Desktop or Portal. Furthermore, each new sign-in meant the companion device was automatically logged out of the account.
This is about to change with the beta version that supports up to four connected companion devices. After 14 days of not connecting to the Internet, you also get logged out. Speaking of Internet connections: WhatsApp can also be used on up to four additional devices even if your smartphone is offline. To date, your phone needed to be online for you to use the messaging service on WhatsApp Web, for example.
And in case you haven’t read between the lines: when it comes to smartphones, you can still only use WhatsApp on one device.
How do I get my hands on a WhatsApp beta version?
If you were hoping to be one of the selected beta testers, I’m afraid you’re in for a disappointment. In theory, all you need to do on Android is click on this website in the Play Store to sign up for the WhatsApp beta version. However, the capacity has already been exhausted and WhatsApp isn’t accepting any new accounts for their test programme.
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