WhatsApp will soon launch a feature that has been long-awaited: usernames. Users will be able connect with others using usernames without having to share their phone number.
Spied by Wabainfo (via 19459028)””https://tecnoblog.net/noticias/whatsapp-ja-tem-ate-regras-para-nomes-de-usuario/””> Tecnoblog ( ) in a recent This feature is currently under development and will allow users to select a unique handle. Yes, exactly like Telegram, Signal and most other messaging platforms.
Even though the feature hasn’t been released yet, WABetaInfo discovered strings that seemed to confirm that WhatsApp was actively developing the interface and rules for the new username system.
How will it work?
It seems that the system was designed with privacy of phone numbers in mind. Once it is live, users will see your default username if they contact you without your number.
Current username rules include:
Usernames cannot start with “www.” because this could confuse users into thinking that they are interacting an official website entity. The use of usernames that are only numbers or symbols is prohibited. Only certain characters are permitted: lowercase letters (0-z), numbers (0-9), underscores, periods and periods. This will maintain a clean, predictable structure for all usernames.”
WhatsApp will confirm a valid user name with a cheerful animation of confetti. The username will then appear in group chats and conversations where the user’s number would have been visible.
Users will also be notified of username changes
If your username is changed later, WhatsApp will send a system message to chats informing others about the change. This is similar to what it does with profile photos or phone numbers.
A later update to WhatsApp’s Web version will allow users to check whether a desired username is available.
When will it be released?
This feature is still under development and has not been released for testing. The presence of strings in the latest beta version suggests that it is getting closer to launch. This adds to the busy last few weeks after it finally got a official iPad app. Add 9to5Mac’s Google News feed.FTC: we use auto affiliate links that earn income. More.
