WhatsApp picks up major Windows Phone update

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The cross-platform instant messaging app, WhatsApp, has picked up some major updates. The app hacked together a notification system using some of the API's from the music player, which led to a sub-par experience. That's changed now, with use of the background API one of the additions.

A number of UI changes are also present, with the addition of emoticons (via Emoji), the ability to call someone via the WhatsApp contact list, improved notifications and push alerts, fast app resume support, and supprot for larger contact images.

WhatsApp is very much an edge case app that on other platforms can overwhelm the calling and messaging support of a device. That's harder to implement on Windows Phone due to the security model and API access, but this version of WhatsApp is a clear improvement on what came before. It's definitely usable now, but it's still in my 'quirky' category.

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Windows Store description:

WhatsApp Messenger is a smartphone messenger available for Windows Phone, Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, and Nokia phones. WhatsApp uses your 3G or WiFi (when available) to message with friends and family. Switch from SMS to WhatsApp to send and receive messages, pictures, audio notes, and video messages. First year FREE! ($0.99/year after)

Whatsapp can be downloaded for free from the Windows Phone Store.

Source / Credit: Find it in the AAWP App Directory