Sridhar Vembu’s proposal, settled by WhatsApp? Soon you can use WhatsApp to send messages to Aratai users
Just weeks after Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu explored the idea of cross compatibility between messaging apps like Aratai, WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature that could allow you to send messages to users on other platforms.
Homegrown messaging app Aratai, made by Chennai-based firm Zoho, has emerged as a local alternative to WhatsApp. Aratai had seen record downloads a month before company founder Sridhar Vembu suggested that messaging apps should support cross compatibility. Now, it seems that Aratai’s main rival WhatsApp is already working on such a feature.
Can you message someone on Aratai from WhatsApp?
According to WaBetaInfo, WhatsApp is testing a feature that will allow users to text people on other messaging platforms. Although it’s currently limited to beta testers in Europe, the feature could allow you to send messages from WhatsApp to someone who is also using Aratai. You can interact with Aratai user without opening Aratai app.
In September this year, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu suggested the idea of standardizing messaging protocols between apps, similar to how UPI works across different apps today.
“These systems need to be interoperable like UPI and email, not closed down like WhatsApp is today. We never want to become monopolies,” Vembu wrote.
Why is WhatsApp testing this feature?
While it may seem like WhatsApp has outwitted Vembu’s team, it’s likely that the Meta-owned platform is testing the feature due to European Union (EU) regulations.
The EU’s Digital Markets Act aims to curb the monopoly of big tech companies. Large messaging platforms like WhatsApp are also mandated to keep “open communication channels to other services.”
Currently, this feature only supports one third-party app, BirdyChat. According to the report, app developers will have to submit a request to WhatsApp to join it. Apps must also meet WhatsApp’s encryption requirements to ensure user privacy. Unlike WhatsApp, Aratai does not yet support end-to-end encryption for chats. However, the company has said that it will soon bring end-to-end encryption support.
Will WhatsApp bring this feature in India?
For now, it appears that cross-compatibility will be limited to European markets to meet regulations. WhatsApp has not commented on expanding access to other regions including India.
