WhatsApp is a popular instant messaging application for smartphones that uses the internet to send and receive messages, images, audio, and video calls. It was first released in 2009 and was later acquired by Facebook in 2014. It allows users to communicate with each other individually or in groups, and it also includes features like end-to-end encryption for security, the ability to share location, and support for multiple languages.
Technology
WhatsApp uses a combination of technologies to provide its messaging and calling services.
- The application is built using the cross-platform development framework React Native, which allows the development of iOS and Android apps using a single codebase.
- WhatsApp uses the Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) to handle messaging and presence functionality.
- The application uses the Signal Protocol for end-to-end encryption, which is widely considered to be one of the most secure encryption protocols available.
- WhatsApp uses the Opus audio codec for voice and video calls, which is designed to provide high-quality audio at low bit rates.
- The application also uses the WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) technology for real-time communication via the browser.
- WhatsApp uses the Cassandra database to store and retrieve user data, it is a NoSQL database that can handle large amounts of data across many commodity servers and provides high availability with no single point of failure.
These are some of the key technologies that WhatsApp uses to provide its services, but there are likely many other technologies and systems in place as well to keep the platform running smoothly.
Ownership
WhatsApp is currently owned by Facebook, an American social media company. WhatsApp was founded in 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum. In February 2014, Facebook announced that it was acquiring WhatsApp for $19 billion in cash and stock. The acquisition was completed in October of that year, and since then, WhatsApp has been a subsidiary of Facebook.
How to install
Installing WhatsApp on an Android or iOS device is a simple process.
For Android:
- Open the Google Play Store on your device.
- Search for “WhatsApp” in the search bar.
- Select the official WhatsApp app from the search results.
- Tap the “Install” button.
- Wait for the app to download and install on your device.
- Once the installation is complete, open the app and follow the instructions to set up your account.
For iOS:
- Open the App Store on your device.
- Search for “WhatsApp” in the search bar.
- Select the official WhatsApp app from the search results.
- Tap the “Get” button, then tap “Install.”
- Wait for the app to download and install on your device.
- Once the installation is complete, open the app and follow the instructions to set up your account.
Keep in mind that WhatsApp requires an active internet connection and a valid phone number to set up and use. Also, the device should have the latest OS version to have the application working properly.
Costs
WhatsApp is free to download and use for the first year. After the first year, there is a small annual subscription fee of $0.99 (or the equivalent in your local currency) to continue using the service. This fee is optional and you can use WhatsApp for free without paying the subscription fee, but you will be reminded to pay the fee periodically. The fee is very small and it’s usually paid by users to support the development and maintenance of the app, but if the user chooses not to pay it, they can still continue to use the app. It’s also important to note that WhatsApp may use the user’s mobile data plan or wifi connection to send and receive messages, so additional data charges may apply if the user is not connected to wifi.
Safety
WhatsApp is considered to be a safe and secure messaging application. The application uses end-to-end encryption to protect the privacy of its users’ messages and calls. This means that only the sender and the recipient of a message can read or listen to it, and nobody else, including WhatsApp, can access the content of the message.
In addition to the encryption, WhatsApp also has several other security features in place to protect its users’ data and privacy:
- WhatsApp uses the Signal Protocol, which is widely considered to be one of the most secure encryption protocols available.
- WhatsApp also has a two-step verification feature, which requires users to enter a verification code sent to their phone number in addition to their password to set up the account on a new device.
- They also provide a feature to lock the app with a passcode or fingerprint.
- WhatsApp also has a feature called “Delete Account” which allows the user to delete their WhatsApp account and all the data from the WhatsApp server
However, it’s important to remember that no online service can guarantee 100% security, as there’s always a risk of hacking, data breaches, and other security threats. To further protect your privacy, it is always recommended to be aware of the information shared over WhatsApp, use the security features provided by WhatsApp, and be cautious of suspicious links or messages.
Popularity
WhatsApp is extremely popular worldwide. As of 2021, WhatsApp had over 2 billion monthly active users, making it one of the most popular messaging applications in the world. It is particularly popular in countries like India, Brazil, and Mexico, where it is used by a large percentage of the population. WhatsApp is also popular in many other countries around the world, including in Europe and North America.
The app’s popularity can be attributed to its ease of use, cross-platform availability, and the ability to make calls and send messages without any additional charges. The end-to-end encryption feature also makes it a popular choice among users who value their privacy. The app has also been successful in attracting users from different age groups and cultures, making it a global phenomenon.
Due to its large user base, WhatsApp has become an important platform for businesses to reach customers, and its popularity is expected to continue growing in the future.
Also, WhatsApp has been continuously adding new features to the app, making it a one-stop-shop for all communication needs. The new features like WhatsApp Business, WhatsApp Pay, WhatsApp Catalog, WhatsApp Status, WhatsApp Web, WhatsApp Groups etc make it more versatile and hence more popular.