Meta makes a radical change in WhatsApp experience for Windows users. Local desktop application is getting into history. Users will now encounter a web -based application with a simpler and more basic appearance. The new system is now being tested with beta users.
The infrastructure of the application has been completely changed. Instead of the old application that is compatible with Windows 11, which uses WinuI technology, now comes with a structure prepared with WebView2. This transition reduces visual experience and technically brings some restrictions. This preference, however, makes it easier for Meta to reduce the maintenance burden.
With the transition to WhatsApp web version, the notification system and interface are simplified
The new application consists of a desktop package of WhatsApp Web. So whatsapp work in the browser is whatever, the desktop application is now it. The notification system has changed, the Settings menu is also significantly simplified. In addition, it is possible to face more RAM consumption.
In this transition, Meta uses Microsoft’s Edge WebView2 technology. Thus, it is less laborious to make the web version into a desktop application. This allows Meta to offer updates for both Windows and MacOS with a single code base. However, this convenience brings some concessions in terms of user experience.
In the new version, not only the interface, but also functionality changes. There are some innovations in sections such as WhatsApp channels, situations and communities. This shows that the desktop version is trying to maintain its functional harmony with the mobile version. Nevertheless, the visual harmony and performance of the application remains weak compared to the previous version.
This change, which can be disappointed for users, eliminates the performance advantages of local application. In particular, compatible with Windows 11, low RAM use and respect for system resources made the old application attractive. It has been waived in the new structure. So some users may turn to alternative messaging applications.
WhatsApp had literally offered a local application for Windows a few years ago. This application was able to work without being constantly connected to the phone and offered an independent experience. The web -based version works based on the phone connection. Therefore, independence is lost again.
The advantages of the web -based structure for the developer are open. Points such as simplification of the code base and shortening of updating processes facilitate Meta’s work. However, for users with desktop experience, this transition may mean going back in terms of ease of use and speed. Especially in matters such as multiple windows, notification management and visual consistency.