
WhatsApp 2.3 update was released late last night and is now available in the App store for free (for a limited time). Without any hesitation I have already started getting my hands dirty, trying out all its new features and might I add that they have really done us proud with this release. Some of the features seen in the new 2.3 update include delivery receipt, MMS, custom tones for messages, ability to turn message preview off/on, timestamps off/on, and a few other tweaks.
With delivery receipt, every message you send is tagged with either an “S” for when u send it and it’s been delivered to the server, meaning the user is out of the app or “offline” or a “D” for when it’s been delivered to the device meaning the user is in the app or “online” and has most likely read your message. If a message is received while a user is offline and is a status S, once the recipient launches the app and accesses the message it changes to a status D. This gives you that confirmation that your message has been delivered to the device.
With MMS, they allow you to send pictures, video and audio. These could either be recorded while in the app or just selected from your media library. With MMS the picture quality is pretty standard (no compression observed), video has been compressed a little but still looks better to me than the standard MMS quality over the mobile network.
These are the two major enhancements in this update as far as messaging goes, others are primarily chat settings which just allow you to customize the experience. They also threw in better notifications for outstanding messages, while in a chat you can tell when a message comes in from another user and how many our outstanding. Just like in SMS or email you now get a notification in the back button on the top left corner.
The Verdict: I have used other messaging apps, Ping!, PMessanger, all direct competitors of WhatsApp but the truth is no one does it like them. They have manged to create the most refined messaging application, everything from UI to functionality has been well thought out and neatly executed. Their application sits comfortably with the iPhone’s native apps, it feels like something Apple developed themselves, only a bit more generous with features.
Like Apple they are big on user experience but go a step further in involving their users greatly in the development process. Though you might not physically code, you end up feeling like you helped make the app in some way. They rely heavily on user feedback, provide excellent communication and work extremely hard to make us happy. I have worked with them providing feedback for the iPhone app and also as a beta tester for their BlackBerry App that allows for cross-platform communication. These guys rock! Their App Rocks! WhatsApp in my books is the official iPhone messenger! Get it! Try it! You will love it! Best of all its Free!
Posted in Technology
Tags: 2.3, App, App store, Apple, Application, Chat, Chatting, Download, Free SMS, iPhone, Messaging, Ping!, PMessanger, WhatsApp
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