WhatsApp wants you to talk to those who don’t have the app
The Meta platform is cooking up a new tool called Guest Chats or guest chats. The idea is simple: generate a link to start a conversation with someone who doesn’t even have WhatsApp installed.
“Guest chats are similar to third-party chats, but do not require users to download a separate application,” explains the specialized site WABetaInfo.
This is how it would work (if it arrives)
The registered user generates a secure link from the app and sends it by SMS or any other means. The person who receives it clicks and can choose: download WhatsApp or enter directly as a ‘guest’ using the web version.
The good: The conversation would be protected with end-to-end encryption, just like normal chats. The guest only has to enter a name (or pseudonym) and accept the terms.
The not so good: It is a tool designed for the temporary. It has an expiration date and several important limitations.
The rules of the game (provisional)
- Chat expires automatically after 10 days of inactivity. It is not a door open forever.
- The guest will NOT: create group chats, send stickers, voice notes, attachments (photos, videos, documents, GIFs) or make voice or video calls.
- Basically, it is reduced to plain text. A very basic functionality for a specific interaction.
When is it arriving?
For now, it’s just an experiment. It is being tested with a very small group of beta users on iOS and Android. There is no official release date. As usually happens with these betas, the function could change, improve or even never see the light of day.
If it is finally launched, it could be useful for specific contacts with companies, services or people with whom you do not want to exchange phone numbers. A light intermediary. But, by design, it is not intended to replace the full experience of having an account.
