WhatsApp inches closer to launching multi-device support: Details here
What's the story
WhatsApp has been partially rolling out a new UI for the WhatsApp Web component. The update was a part of the latest 2.21.1.3 beta build available through the Google Play Beta program. The updated UI includes revisions for multi-device support. This update only covers the visual aspects of the feature, with the actual elements enabling multi-device functionality expected in a future release.
Multi-device support
Beta update reveals dedicated button to link new devices
WABetaInfo has revealed a screenshot showing a UI element for linking a new device to your existing account. In addition to the Link Device button, the updated UI also shows devices already linked to WhatsApp, along with the total active time for each device. This should come in handy to keep a track of up to four linked devices through the new UI element.
Slow and steady
However, the company has not revealed a release date
The multi-device support feature has been in the works for more than a year. However, Facebook hasn't specified an official release date for this major update yet. Users will have the option to add up to four devices to the same account. Presently, one can add a single desktop device, in addition to the primary phone by the means of QR code validation.
Information
What you need to know about WhatsApp's multi-device support
Unlike existing dual-device support through the desktop app, the primary device (smartphone) will no longer need an active internet connection. The feature will be seamlessly integrated with existing features and incorporate UI and app updates to enable complicated tasks such as multi-device calling.
Almost ready
Update comes on the heels of WhatsApp testing multi-device calling
Even as we see WhatsApp adding UI elements for multi-device support, the company was recently testing the nitty-gritty of implementing multi-device calling. The app has been receiving incremental updates allowing it to seamlessly integrate multi-device features, and enable synchronization of various features such as starring, archiving, and muting. The complicated end-to-end encryption makes the integration of this feature a time-consuming affair.