WHATSAPP is quietly planning a major overhaul of its app, which could see people message you without having your number.
To do this, the Meta-owned messaging app is developing the ability to set up unique usernames, according to leaker site WABetaInfo.
WABetaInfoSimilar to phone numbers, these usernames will have to be one-of-a-kind and don’t have to be associated with your real identity[/caption]
It would be a big move for WhatsApp, and is reportedly being touted as a way for users to gain an extra layer of privacy.
“Instead of relying solely on phone numbers to identify contacts, users will be able to opt for a unique and memorable username,” WABetaInfo wrote in its report.
But it doesn’t necessarily mean that users will have to create a password to login.
The new feature is not yet available to WhatsApp’s 2billion-strong usership.
Instead, it is being trialled in a beta programme for Android 2.23.11.15.
Hawk-eyed beta testers noticed the new feature may soon appear in your Profile.
As part of the trial, users have the option to choose their own username.
Similar to phone numbers, these usernames will have to be one-of-a-kind and don’t have to be associated with your real identity.
It may be helpful for users to communicate with businesses privately, the report added.
It comes as WhatsApp welcomes more business services onto the app.
Companies are increasingly using the messaging app as their own customer support channel.
“Only time will provide us with further answers, but we are confident that they will revolutionise the way we communicate on WhatsApp in the future,” beta testers at WABetaInfo said.
WhatsApp is yet to officially confirm the move, but users of the app have already taken to social media to say they’re fans of the decision.
“Username!! Finally it’s in the making!!,” one user wrote on Twitter.
Another said: “Users have been asking for this feature for years.”
WhatsApp declined to comment.
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