WhatsApp application for Android - Review of the WhatsApp application for Android. Tablet version
WhatsApp installed on your smartphone, be it iPhone or Android, can do more than you think. Of course, the app won’t make coffee or iron a shirt, but it can make communication more convenient and efficient. The review will tell you about ten “secret” features in WhatsApp that everyone should know about.
WhatsApp messenger is used by more than a billion people around the world on both platforms - iOS and Android. The application allows you to exchange text messages, photos, videos, as well as make voice and video calls for free.
A review of ten hidden WhatsApp features will help you become a real messenger professional, surprise your friends and customize the application to your own needs.
How to transfer all WhatsApp data to another phone
If you bought yourself new iPhone or replaced the old device with a new one on Android, you can switch to new smartphone, saving the entire history of correspondence in WhatsApp.
If your phone supports a microSD card, then just go to the messenger menu, where select “Settings” -> “Chats” -> “Chat backup”. Additionally, you can even check the “Add video” checkbox to save a copy of videos from chats.
After that, insert the microSD card into your new smartphone, install WhatsApp and click the "Restore" button when the application prompts you to do so. If the backup file is in the built-in memory, you can find it using Explorer in the /sdcard/WhatsApp/ folder and transfer the content manually.
An even more convenient way to save your entire chat history on WhatsApp is offered by cloud backup"- the ability to save the backup file in Google Drive, a free cloud from Google. This method works on both Android and iPhone.
How to hide last seen time on WhatsApp
If you look at any contact on WhatsApp, you will most likely see the line “was today at XX:XX” under the username. Using this line, you can understand when the contact last opened the application.
Don't want your interlocutor to know that you are logged into WhatsApp? Then go to the settings and indicate there that the last login time cannot be shown to anyone. To do this, go to “Settings” -> “Account” -> “Privacy”. You need the top line - “Time of visits” with the options to show “To everyone, only my contacts and no one”. However, in this case you will no longer be able to see the last visit time of other users.
In WhatsApp's privacy settings, you can also hide your profile photo, status, and turn off read receipts.
How to find out exactly when a message was read on WhatsApp
In WhatsApp, two small checkmarks next to it indicate that your interlocutor has read the message. To find out the exact time of delivery and reading of the message, make a long time on it there. A context menu will open at the top of the screen, where you should select the icon with “i”, and you will receive a mini-report about the message like “Delivered XX:XX, Read XX:XX”. On iPhone, you can tap and drag left to see the read time of a message.
How to protect WhatsApp with a password
iPhone owners, alas, can move on to the next point - it is impossible to set a password on WhatsApp for iOS without jailbreaking. On Android everything is much simpler - there are a lot third party applications, which will reliably protect all correspondence on WhatsApp with a password or PIN code. We recommend Messenger and Chat Block, AppLock and Smart AppLock.
Some apps can even take photos using the front camera if someone tries to guess your WhatsApp PIN. On Windows Phone You can try WhatsApp Locker app. If you use something as exotic as BlackBerry, then look for the Lock for Whats Messenger application.
How to run WhatsApp on a computer/laptop
If your laptop/computer has Chrome browser, then follow the link to WhatsApp Web (https://web.whatsapp.com/) and follow the instructions that appear on the phone screen.
Make sure your smartphone is connected to the internet - ideally via Wi-Fi, as the web app will sync everything with your phone. Launch WhatsApp, find the line “WhatsApp Web” in the menu and scan the QR code from the browser on your computer.
You can now communicate on WhatsApp through a browser on your computer/laptop; all conversations and sent files will be sent both via the web and to your smartphone.
You won't be able to communicate in WhatsApp on iOS via a browser.
How to disable the display of photos sent via WhatsApp in the default photo viewing application (“Gallery”)
If you don't want all the pictures and photos you receive via WhatsApp to be available in the Gallery on Android or the Photos app on iOS, it's easy to disable this.
On iPhone – go to settings: “Privacy”, “Photos” and turn off WhatsApp.
On Android it’s a little more complicated - you need to use a file manager (explorer) like ES File Explorer or Ghost Commander to go to the sdcard/WhatsApp/Media folder, then create new file called.nomedia. That's it, no more photos from WhatsApp will be shown in the “Gallery”.
How to turn off group chat notifications on WhatsApp
Sometimes group chats create too much noise. Let’s say you don’t want to leave them, but listening to notifications after each message is also not an option. If you have an iPhone, then open a group chat, tap on the topic to open the group information, and then tap “Mute.”
In WhatsApp on Android, open a chat, tap the Menu button, and then tap Mute. You can specify the time for which notifications will be disabled, or turn them off completely.
How to recover deleted messages on WhatsApp
create whatsapp backups all messages every day at 4 am. The easiest way to recover deleted messages on WhatsApp is to delete and reinstall the application.
During the installation process, WhatsApp will ask if you want to restore your data from the backup. This way you can “return” correspondence for the last week. On Android, if you are interested in older data, you should use a file manager (explorer) like ES File Explorer and find the sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases folder, where the messenger backups are stored.
Rename the file you need to msgstore.db.crypt, and then go to your smartphone's settings, select applications, then WhatsApp and click "Clear data". Then launch the messenger - when the application offers to restore data, agree.
How to Create a Shortcut for WhatsApp Chats
This messenger feature only works on Android. If you have chats that you need to return to daily or even more often, you can save some time by placing a shortcut to the chat on your home screen.
To do this, press and hold on the chat you often need, then context menu select the line “Add chat shortcut”. The shortcut will appear on free space home screen. You can move it around the screen like any other shortcut, just by pressing it with your finger.
How to send a private message to multiple contacts on WhatsApp
You can save time by sending the same message to several contacts at once. However, it is not always necessary for recipients to know that someone else has received the same message.
Broadcasting on WhatsApp allows you to send the same message to multiple contacts, but for the recipient it will be private, like any other message between two users. On Android, go to the menu, then select “New Newsletter.” On the iPhone, go to mailing lists on the “Chats” screen, where then click on “New List”.
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Probably every smartphone owner has at least once thought about which messenger is better? Viber or WhatsApp? It's really difficult to choose between these popular chat apps. Both programs have a user-friendly interface, varied functionality and allow you to make both calls and exchange messages. But if you still decide to figure out how viber differs from whatsapp, and also find out what the pros and cons of each messenger, then this article will be extremely useful for you.
Let's start with the technical aspects and figure out which smartphones can run both Viber and WhatsApp. Well, we can reassure you - even on old mobile phones you can use these messengers.
So, to install WhatsApp you need to have mobile device, operating on Android OS 2.1 and higher, iOS 3.4 and higher, Windows Phone 7.5. If you have a Nokia, then you can run the application on many devices starting from the S40 model.
As for Viber (Viber), it is available to owners Nokia phones S40 Symbian and higher. In addition, the application supports:
- iOS 3.4 and higher;
- Windows Phone 7.5;
- Windows 8;
- Android 2.0.
Therefore, if you choose a messenger for an old smartphone, then both viber and whatsapp are perfect for this. Both applications have no compatibility problems. This means that this criterion does not allow us to determine which messenger is better. Let's move on.
For reference! These two apps are free. True, Viber was the leader in this regard for some time, because... WhatsApp just recently asked for as much as 1 dollar a year! But in January 2016, they stopped taking money for using the application.
Easy to install and register
Downloading and installing instant messengers is as easy as shelling pears. The developers of both applications made sure that starting to use the program was as easy as possible.
Both viber and whatsapp are linked to the number mobile phone. Moreover, their installation does not require any complex and lengthy procedure, filling out large questionnaire for registration, etc. It’s simple – download, install, enter your number and use it! In addition, your contacts automatically appear in address book messenger. There is no need to search for anyone and add them as “friends”. Again a draw.
Design and interface
Let's continue comparing the two messengers. This time we’ll talk about whose interface is better: viber or whatsapp? It seems to us that using both applications is very convenient. It might be a little easier to manage WhatsApp.
You get used to each “communication” pretty quickly. Their interfaces are largely similar. They are intuitive and do not require you to wade through a clutter of submenus and different tabs.
Well, design is a subjective parameter. Some users prefer the bright purple color of Viber, while supporters of a laconic design are more likely to choose WhatsApp.
So we have equality here too.
Functional
In functional terms, both messengers are again very similar. Through these applications you can:
- Send photos, videos, text (exchanging GIFs, stickers and emoticons) or voice messages, documents, etc.
- Communicate in single and group chats.
- Share your location.
- Make audio calls.
- Make video calls (though earlier similar function WhatsApp didn't have it).
- Delete messages, including those on the recipient’s device. Of course, we are talking about our own messages.
- View public accounts and more. etc.
For reference! Both Viber and WhatsApp have a desktop version. So both messengers can be used on a PC or laptop.
Similarities and differences
The viber and whatsapp applications have a large number of similar functions, capabilities and tools. It would take a long time to list them.
WhatsApp is the most popular instant messenger in the world thanks to 1 billion users in 180 countries.
With Facebook's purchase of WhatsApp in 2014, privacy experts and security-conscious users sounded the alarm. After all, Facebook's products and the third-party apps it uses have been hacked more than once, resulting in thousands of users' sensitive data being stolen. At the same time, the company WhatsApp has always insisted that their app operates separately that they are dedicated to creating and maintaining a reliable and secure messenger.
This will change soon. Facebook representatives recently announced that they want to merge their three instant messengers. Company is going to unite Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram platform messenger features, so that users can exchange messages between these platforms.
Our source confirms that these plans also include rolling out end-to-end encryption across all three platforms. In theory, this would make Facebook Messenger and Instagram as reliable platforms as WhatsApp. On the other hand, this could make WhatsApp messenger less reliable if it has to conform to the standards of the other two platforms.
WhatsApp Security Gaps
WhatsApp promises users end-to-end encryption - excellent protection. Of course, there are a few issues here that developers need to work on.
The service's legal disclaimer states: “As part of the Facebook group of companies, WhatsApp receives information from them and shares data with them. We may use the information we receive from these companies, and they, in turn, may use the information we share with them to help operate, provide, improve, recognize, customize, support and market our Services and their offerings.”
“Facebook and other companies of the Facebook group of companies may also use our information, to improve the services provided to users, for example, to offer some company products.”
“We do not store communications from our users during the routine activities of providing our Services. However, we store information about our users' accounts, including user profile pictures, usernames, and profile status if the user chooses to provide this as their basic profile information."
In other words, this means that your messages are protected, but at the same time WhatsApp stores user data on private servers. The company reserves the right to use this data for marketing purposes.
Moreover, data stored on their servers may be transferred to government agencies in case of emergency. Hackers can also breach the security of WhatsApp servers and gain access to phone numbers and user profile data.
5 Best WhatsApp Alternatives - These Apps Will Protect You and Your Privacy
1. Signal
Signal messenger is free, uses strong data encryption and works for everyone mobile platforms. Like most other messengers, the application Signal is very easy to use. You'll also be able to make voice and video calls, so you won't miss WhatsApp.
Signal also has a desktop application, so you can use it on your computer too, and not just on a smartphone.
Each message is encrypted and only the recipient and sender can read it. Messages cannot be hacked by hackers. Signal uses open-source encryption source code , so experts can always test it themselves and find bugs. This makes the application even more reliable.
Users can erase your messages, setting a time interval after which they are automatically deleted. This guarantees your privacy even if someone else gains access to your smartphone.
On Signal no animated emoji. But you can import emoji from your device into the app.
Pros
- End-to-end encryption
- Open Source Encryption
- Available on all major platforms
- Disappearing messages
Cons
- No animated emoji
2.Threema
Threema promises users absolute privacy. Your contact lists and group chat data are stored exclusively on your device, not in the app. Messages are deleted immediately after being read. Plus, you can connect with people using Threema's 8-bit ID without using your phone number, further protecting your data. You can verify contacts using unique QR codes.
Threema uses end-to-end encryption for all types of messages, including text, voice calls, files and group chats. The app even encrypts your status so no one can track what you post. Messages can only be read by the intended recipients.
You can safely use the Threema web browser extension. Like WhatsApp, the application has editing functions, you can specify a location and send files. Unlike WhatsApp, users can create polls and like individual messages. You can even hide certain chats and protect access to them with a password.
The Threema service is registered in Switzerland, which is famous for its laws protecting user privacy.
Pros
- No need to use a phone number
- Contacts can be verified using QR codes
- Text editing functions
- You can protect chats with a password
Cons
- Paid application
3.Telegram
Telegram has over 200 million active users, making it a popular alternative to WhatsApp. Cloud application works on all platforms. Like WhatsApp, it uses a two-tick system to show that the message has been read by the recipient.
The application uses by default end-to-end encryption for voice calls so that no one can eavesdrop on your conversations. At the same time, message encryption must be enabled manually so that they do not accumulate.
Like the Signal app, Telegram allows you to automatically delete messages after a certain amount of time. You can also share multimedia files here.
Pros
- Simple and convenient platform
- Cloud storage so you don't lose important data
Cons
- Encryption is not enabled by default and must be enabled manually
- The developers have created their own encryption standards, which have been criticized more than once
4. Wire
The Wire app is protected by European user data retention laws, making it a secure messenger that uses end-to-end encryption. There are free individual accounts and paid ones tariff plans for business With additional features and support. The Wire service prides itself on providing seamless video and audio communications for users.
Wire supports 1:1 screen sharing mode for group chats. It is also supported here distribution of multimedia files and filtering of audio files. You can log into your account from up to eight synced devices, and the app is compatible with all major platforms.
You can highlight text in bold and italics, and create chat lists. You will also be able optimize file sizes to make them easier to share, and also set timers to delete messages for additional protection.
Pros
- Protected chats
- Self-deleting messages
- Ability to use 8 devices simultaneously
- Graphically rich dialogues
Cons
- Paid application
5. Riot.IM
The application supports Internet telephony and video calls, and also encrypts messages end-to-end. Each user receives a unique identification number; this number is used instead of a telephone number to protect the anonymity of users.
Riot is powered by open source. There are bots here, but any developer can create their own. This way users can interact with the application, making it more flexible and secure. Thanks to its open source nature, Riot is more suitable for development teams than corporate clients.
There are different chats based on the Riot app, and users can enter any public chats. There are also private chats that can be accessed via an invitation link.
On top of that, The desktop application has a simple and user-friendly interface, and the application itself is available in seven languages. You will also be able to interact with other applications.
Pros
- User ID number instead of phone number
- Open source program
- Simple and convenient desktop client
- The application is available in seven languages
Cons
- Encryption is not enabled by default, must be enabled manually
If you want to be sure that your private messages remain private, you should forget about WhatsApp and look for more secure alternatives. The applications suggested in our review are known for their security.
Looking for more security tools? Read our articles on how
Today WhatsApp has become an integral part of many people's lives. This is because it is free and available in almost all countries of the world. Depending on the functionality, there are several versions of the messenger. We bring to your attention an overview of the functions and instructions for installing WhatsApp Plus.
WhatsApp Plus Review
WhatsApp Plus is a modified application that significantly expands the capabilities of users. Besides standard set functions, the program provides additional options, which are not in the original version of the application. WhatsApp developers are not responsible for this, since the updated version of the messenger was created by third-party specialists. Not here technical support users. Therefore, if you use this version, your account may be banned at any time. The program works stably, but errors may appear from time to time. There are such builds of WhatsApp Plus: version from 4pda, Yukle, Indir and others.
Whatsapp Plus features
Before installing WhatsApp Plus on your smartphone, familiarize yourself with its capabilities:
- Broadcast multimedia files large sizes. Maximum 30 Mb. Official WhatsApp provides the ability to transfer photos, videos and pictures up to 16 Mb. Only in the updated version of the application can you compress the size of files to increase their nominal number.
- Voice and video calls with a duration of up to 60 minutes. Users of the original version are provided this function lasting 30 minutes. The program has several hundred options for menu design. Except standard pictures nature, there are other popular options. The theme in the style of GTA 5 is in great demand.
- Detailed customization of the interface, which allows you to transform the control system “to suit your needs.”
- A large collection of emoticons collected from all popular instant messengers.
- Possibility to use the “invisibility” function. That is, other users of the application will not have access to information about your last visit to your account. This feature is also provided in the original WhatsApp, but here is a more simplified procedure for activating it.
- After updates, the text message limit has been increased.
- High level of application security. Owners of phones with Touch ID support can secure their login to the messenger using fingerprints.
- Users can limit the circle of people who will have access to their profile photo.
- Send your location via text message.
- View information about delivered and read messages.
- Personalize the style of headers, icons, contacts and text messages.
- High speed of information transfer. However, this is also true for the original application.
- At incorrect input WhatsApp password, the system automatically turns on the front camera and takes a photo.
Installation
Anyone can download and install WhatsApp Plus for free. Owners of Android devices can download the utility from Play Market. Owners of smartphones with iOS OS from App Store or iTunes. When downloading from third-party sites, give preference only to trusted resources, as there is a risk of downloading a file with a virus. To install, you will need to allow software downloads from third-party sources on your device.
The installation procedure on Android will be as follows:
- Go to “Settings” of your smartphone.
- Click the “Security” tab, then check the box next to “Unknown sources”.
- Download installation file apk.
- Tap on the file, click the “Install” button.
- After installation, select “Open”.
- Go through the authorization procedure.
For installation on iPhone:
- Download messenger for iPhone.
- Go to iCloud, deactivate the “Find iPhone” option.
- Download and install on personal computer Cydia Impactor program.
- Launch the messenger, then connect your iPhone to your PC.
- Move WhatsApp Plus to Cydia Impactor.
- Enter your password and Apple ID information.
- After installing the program, exit Cydia Impactor and disconnect the iPhone from the PC.
- Go to your device settings.
- Select the “Profiles and device management” section.
- From the list of programs, select the installed one, then check the box next to “Trust”.
- Register in the messenger using a valid phone number.
whatsapp Sep 24, 2017 17:44
Messengers are a popular means of communication among smartphone and tablet owners around the world. The article is devoted to what WhatsApp is and how to use it. Let's consider each of the points in order, starting from the features this application and installation procedures and ending with its configuration.
Description of the WhatsApp messenger
Many are surprised by such a memorable name for the messenger, vaguely similar to something, and try to figure out what “Whatsapp” means. The phrase itself is consonant with the expression what’s up? (in translation - how are you), but at the same time it is written differently, with an emphasis on its “mobile” purpose. But the name is not all that the application can offer its users.
The messenger allows people to communicate at a distance, and absolutely free of charge (Internet traffic, if connected via mobile network, paid according to the tariff, no extra charges). It is possible to conduct correspondence, send voice messages, multimedia information, as well as calls, including video communications. Chat messages can be decorated with emoticons, geolocation or audio explanation.
Developers place great emphasis on the security of their application. It involves end-to-end encryption. This is a data protection method (in in this case- any information sent or received), in which only the sender and recipient can view the message. Interception during transmission makes no sense, since everything is encrypted.
Installing the application
Everything is clear with the features of the messenger and what WhatsApp is, now let’s move on to installing it. And this is no different from the installation procedure for other applications. Just go to the App Store or Play Market, type WhatsApp in the search and download the desired item.
If there is not enough space on the device, a corresponding error will appear. In this case, delete unnecessary data and try again.
Registration
Registration in the application is extremely simple. You just need to enter your phone number and wait for an SMS with a PIN code to arrive. Users of smartphones and tablets on Android latest versions can enable the function of intercepting information about messages (a notification about this will come automatically, if such a possibility is provided by the system). Then you will not need to enter the secret combination; it will be automatically copied into the appropriate field.
Settings
When the application is installed on the device and registration is completed account, you can proceed to using the messenger. You can improve the convenience of this process by customizing it.
Go to the settings menu from any application screen. The first setup item for most users is notifications. Open the appropriate tab and set the notification options according to your preferences. You can also turn off sounds directly from a specific dialogue or group, leaving the rest unchanged. 
Then you should enable backup. It is valid for both iPhone and Android. But in the first case, the data is uploaded to iCloud, in the second - to Google Drive. To configure, go to “Chat – Backup...”. 
Owners of limited Internet will be interested in the possibility of compressing traffic, as well as changing network parameters. The “Data” section is responsible for these items. 
You can increase the security of correspondence and personal information by enabling two-step verification. It is called up in the “Account” section.
Usage
It doesn't take long to figure out how to use WhatsApp. The messenger interface is intuitive. There are a minimal number of controls, only three functional tabs: Chats, Status and Calls. In the first, you can view all message histories that have not been deleted or archived.
The second is for short notes. The statuses of added contacts are displayed there, and you can also change yours from there. The “Calls” tab is for making calls. The application, as already mentioned, supports voice and video communication.
All screens display a button for searching content and calling up menus. Understanding the use of WhatsApp is very simple. It is enough to make several calls or participate in correspondence, then the location of all elements will become obvious.
