WhatsApp resumes testing cross-platform messaging feature

When EU passed the DMA regulation in March 2024, Meta stated that it would bring the cross-platform messaging feature on WhatsApp to allow users to make calls (video/audio) and exchange messages with users on different platforms, but only by the end of 2027.

In 2022, the European Union drafted the Digital Markets Act (DMA) reform mandating big technology companies, including Meta, Google, Apple, to offer interoperability on their platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, iMessages app, Google Android Messages app, Telegram, Signal and others.

Meta started testing the interoperability feature in WhatsApp in 2023, but it was dropped for reasons unknown.

When the DMA regulation was passed in March 2024, the company reiterated that it would bring the new feature to allow users to make calls (video/audio) and exchange messages with users on different platforms, but only by the end of 2027.

Now, WhatsApp is once again testing a feature, reported WABetaInfo, citing the latest WhatsApp Beta for Android v2.25.22.13.

WhatsApp interoperability feature.

As seen in the screen grab, WhatsApp will allow users to set up a guest account without the need for linking a mobile number. The latter can send messages to the receiver's WhatsApp account. But, for now, it is limited to texting only. The users cannot exchange images or videos or documents, or any multimedia content between WhatsApp and other platforms.

WhatsApp may introduce an option to share multimedia content in future beta updates, and other platforms such as Android Messages, Apple iMessages too begin to support interoperability.

In a related development, WhatsApp has begun testing a new voice call reminder feature,

WhatsApp will offer multiple options to set a reminder for users to return the missed call. It will have three preset options-- after 2 hours, after 8 hours, after 24 hours and the custom. The latter allows the user to set the timing as per his/her convenience.

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