With more than 700 million monthly active users, there's no doubt that
WhatsApp is one of the largest mobile-focused messaging service.
A
large number of these users have been demanding a PC interface for the
service to stay connected with their favourite people even when they
switch devices.
After a long wait, WhatsApp has finally
introduced a way to access the service on a PC. However, there are
several limitations attached to it as the interface is limited to a web
browser.
1. It doesn't support iPhone
WhatsApp for web essentially syncs messages between your smartphone and browser via its servers.
At
this time, the service does not support the iPhone. According to
WhatsApp it's unable to provide the web client to iOS users due to
Apple's platform limitations.
Reports indicate that it intends to
support the iPhone in the future but till then, if you use WhatsApp on
an iPhone, you'll need to peep into your phone every time you get a
WhatsApp message even if you're in front of your computer.
2. Needs your phone to be on and connected to the internet
After pairing your smartphone with WhatsApp's web client through a QR
code image, you'll be able to send and receive messages through your
browser.
But what if your phone loses the data connection or runs
out of charge? Sadly, the WhatsApp web version will also go offline.
Your phone needs to stay connected to the internet for the web client to
work.
3. Doesn't support browsers other than Google Chrome
WhatsApp's web interface only supports Google Chrome. So if you use
Firefox, Safari or Internet Explorer, you're out of luck. A number of IT
environments restrict the use of applications not approved by admins.
If
you're part of one and can't use Chrome, you'll not be able to use
WhatsApp for web. WhatsApp's justification is that Chrome's push
technology is better.
It's surprising that the service doesn't
support Internet Explorer given Microsoft's investment in Facebook which
owns WhatsApp. Also, it's worth pointing out that Google (the developer
of Chrome) competes directly with Facebook.
4. You can't block users
To block users, you still need to go to the WhatsApp mobile app. The
number of spam messages on WhatsApp has gone up considerably and the
only way to deal with these, is to block their number. Unfortunately,
the web version does not offer the block feature.
5. You can't create and leave groups
While you can send and receive messages from groups you're a part of,
the WhatsApp web client doesn't let you create new groups or leave
existing ones. You also can't send broadcast messages via the web
client.
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