After the last couple of beta versions, today we are going to talk about the latest stable version of WhatsApp for Windows Phone that has just been released. It is an interesting update, and brings some useful changes. The first good news about this latest 2.16.106 version is that it is already available from the Windows Store. It means that every user will be able to update the app on his/her own device, since this is not a beta testers version.
That said, let’s see what actually changes with this latest 2.16.106. version of WhatsApp for Windows Phone. This new version of the app, along with the usual bug fixes and performance improvements, brings a couple of new features that we are sure will be really enjoyed by the many users of the app. So, the first change is the quoted messages feature, which enables users to reply to a message via quotes (yes, you are right, this feature is similar to Twitter Quotes).
The other new feature that has been brought with this latest 2.16.106 version is an improved image picker, which makes it much easier for users to access and attach images within the app. And that’s not all, because also the users interface has been revamped. That’s what WindowsCentral said announcing this improvement:“UI tweaks that make using the app much more bearable, such as moving the send message button to the right of the text box, rather than right above the Start button”.
At this point, you just have to install this latest 2.16.106 version of WhatsApp on your Windows Phone. How? Easy, you can download this latest update straight from the Windows Store.
Even if it is the most successful instant messaging app in the world, the life of WhatsApp is not always a bed of roses, particularly in some countries. One of the most recent issues comes from India, where RTI activist Sudhir Yadav has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) trying to ban the use of WhatsApp. Why? The reason, once again, is the decision of the Facebook-owned company to add end-to-end encryption to all the platforms that support the app.
According to Yadav the end-to-end encryption violates Indian interception laws, therefore allowing terrorists to exchange messages. On Wednesday the Supreme Court dismissed the petition, but it seems that the story hasn’t come yet to an end. The Court, in fact, told Yadav to move his petition to a more appropriate forum that has the authority to rule on the matter. This other forum will probably be the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT). So, let’s see what happen. If Yadav wins his petition, as a consequence the government will certainly impose restrictions on the encryption.