Those days are long gone when you wanted to ask a girl you like for her number in order to keep in touch with her. Besides the fact that it’s a lot more common nowadays to ask for her Facebook/Instagram profile, the famous instant-messaging platform known as WhatsApp prepares something totally unexpected: the possibility of texting a person without even knowing the phone number.
XDA has discovered the new plans of those in charge of WhatsApp thanks to a new post on WABetaInfo. Alongside features such as Chat Lock and spam call prevention, the instant messaging app is now exploring the introduction of usernames. Although the new feature is still in the works, it aims to offer users an additional layer of privacy and convenience.
WhatsApp users will have unique usernames
By creating unique usernames, individuals will have an alternative method to share their contact information, which means that it won’t be necessary anymore to rely on phone numbers or QR codes. The ability to search for others using usernames is also speculated.
In other words, why would you still need a person’s phone number as long as you have their usernames, correct? The formula is very simple, as it’s based on a simple principle that many other platforms are already applying. Let’s consider just about any email service out there or the Instagram and Facebook social networks!
While the upcoming WhatsApp feature is not yet available, it is expected to generate huge excitement but also controversies among users eager to secure their preferred usernames.
Because of the anticipated update, WhatsApp seems eager to maintain its commitment to end-to-end encryption, solidifying its position as a top messaging service when it comes to both Android and iOS users.
What do you think about the plans of WhatsApp to set aside users’ phone numbers? Let us know in a comment below!