 (1).png){kind=spacer}
1 week ago
7
It's the everyday messaging app used by millions of people around the world.
But WhatsApp has made a subtle change that has left users furious.
The popular encrypted messaging service has launched an updated user interface for its web browser version.
The update includes an all-black look and redesigned tabs for switching between different chats.
This brings the web version much closer to the mobile app most users would be familiar with.
However, some have been outraged by the new look for the iconic messaging service.
Flocking to social media to share their complaints, one user vented that the redesign was 'hurting my eyes'.
While another added: 'What the f*** is the new WhatsApp web look.'
WhatsApp has made a subtle change to its user interface that has left users furious (stock image)
On social media, users vented that an update to the WhatsApp Web user interface (UI) was 'hurting' their eyes
As the new update rolled out, commenters rushed to social media to share their frustration
This update is entirely cosmetic and doesn't introduce any new features or change the way that messaging works.
Upon opening the updated website for the first time, users are presented with a message which reads: 'Starting today, we're introducing a brand new design for WhatsApp Web.
'You'll notice that some things look completely different but everything works the same as before.'
The most obvious difference is that the website's blue-grey background has been changed to a much darker colour, closer to that of the mobile app.
The column of tabs on the left-hand side of the website no longer has lines to separate different chats and only highlights the currently open tab with a green outline.
Additionally, a new 'Communities' icon has been added to the toolbar running along the far left of the screen.
Although the changes are subtle, some fans have been upset to see the differences in their favourite messaging service.
On X, formerly Twitter, one commenter raged: Another company ruining their apps. The new look is STRAIGHT UP BAD.'
The update gave the new user interface an all-black background and removed the dividing lines between the chats in the left-hand column
Compared to the old design (pictured), the new look is closer to the current aesthetics of the mobile app
A commenter complained that the new WhatsApp look was 'STRAIGHT UP BAD'
Another user suggested they were not convinced by the new darker look for WhatsApp Web
'New WhatsApp web look, OMG!', exclaimed another.
While one commenter chimed in: 'Not sure I like the look of WhatsApp Web.'
But not every WhatsApp user was unhappy to see the old design go as some fans took to social media to share their enthusiasm.
One commenter wrote: 'I love this new WhatsApp web look and feel.'
'The new WhatsApp we ui is soooo beautiful,' another wrote.
Another added: 'WhatsApp web UI updated almost a decade!!! Now it's clean and smooth.'
However, the new update does not include many of the features that WhatsApp Web still lacks from the mobile version.
Unlike the app, WhatsApp Web cannot upload status updates or change chat backgrounds.
But some users were more than happy to see the change, with one commenter praising it as 'beautiful'
Another user said that they 'love' the new design
But this is not the first time that a WhatsApp update has frustrated the service's users.
Last month, WhatsApp's vast user base threatened to delete the app altogether after a particularly controversial change.
The Meta-owned app said that it would start to introduce adverts for the first time.
WhatsApp said adverts will be rolled out to all its users 'slowly over the next several months', regardless of what country they're in.
However, the announcement caused an outpouring of rage as users branded the move Meta's 'dumbest idea ever'.
One furious commenter wrote on X: 'WhatsApp is bringing ads. Its time to get back to Nokia 3310.'
BEST WHATSAPP ALTERNATIVES
If you're considering deleting WhatsApp, you'll be happy to hear that there are several alternative apps to choose from:
1. Telegram
With more than 400 million users, Telegram is one of the most popular WhatsApp alternatives.
While it looks very similar to WhatsApp, what sets it apart is the fact that it gives the option to set messages to self-destruct after a given period of time, leaving no trace.
Telegram also offers end-to-end encryption.
However, as a WhatsApp spokesperson pointed out, Telegram 'does not offer end-to-end encryption by default so it’s not necessarily more secure than WhatsApp'.
2. Signal
Signal is one of the most secure messaging apps, thanks to the fact that it is open-source.
This means that the code for the app is publicly available to view, making it near-impossible for the app's creators to sneak in any backdoors that could allow governments or hackers to spy on your messages.
3. iMessage
If you use an iPhone, you may consider simply switching to iMessage, Apple's own messaging app.
The app has a number of impressive features included no character limits, the ability to send pictures and videos, and of course Apple's animated emoji feature, Animoji.
Unfortunately, iMessage is only available for iPhone users, so you'll struggle to interact with anyone using an Android.
4. Google Messages
Google's answer to iMessage is Google Messages, an Android-only messaging service.
The app replaces your standard SMS app, and integrates with all of Google's apps and services, making it easy to share images or use Google Assistant.
5. Facebook Messenger
If you were put off using WhatsApp due to its sharing of data with Facebook, Facebook Messenger may not be the best option for you.
However, the app offers a number of helpful features, including games, secret conversations and video calls.
