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WhatsApp is testing a new way to chat with users who don’t even use the platform and that might be useful for many.
WhatsApp is testing a feature that Zoho’s Vembu had talked about recently
WhatsApp has got a made in India rival in the form of Arattai from Zoho in the last few weeks and it seems the popular app is willing to support messages from other platforms. WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new way to chat on the app, where people from apps like Arattai can message you without leaving the platform.
Yes, the Meta-owned app is looking to support cross-platform messaging which could become a big deal for millions. The feature has been spotted by WaBetaInfo this week, and it seems to be limited to beta testers in the European region for now.
WhatsApp Trying New Things: Arattai Effect?
Zoho chief Sridhar Vembu has talked about making Arattai works across platforms so that more people can use these apps. While it is not directly linked, it is definitely a coincidence to read about WhatsApp making a similar plan with the feature.
Having said that, WhatsApp might be doing so out of pressure from the EU regulators, who have ordered tech companies to open their products to other apps, and WhatsApp falls into the same category.
The biggest challenge to connect apps like WhatsApp with other platforms is the level of security and encryption standards. Arattai is yet to support end-to-end encryption which makes it hard to work with WhatsApp. However, you have apps like Signal and Telegram that can be easily cross linked to the messaging app.
The Herd Effect
The first phase of this feature is likely to focus on the EU market, primarily to help Meta avoid further sanctions in the region but we would be eager to see if WhatsApp can actually become an interoperable platform wherein you can chat with users on other apps.
Local apps like Arattai started with a lot of hype and interest but once that period settles down, people realise they need to be on a platform/app where everyone else is. So it is all good to make a new app, but until you can use it with other people, something that UPI does quite well, it is just another install on your phone that can go away quickly.
S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr…Read More
S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr… Read More
Delhi, India, India
November 07, 2025, 15:28 IST
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