WhatsApp users can now migrate chats from iOS to Android with some huge caveats

Date:
Wed, 27 Oct 2021 09:02:49 +0000

Description:
Handy migration feature is only available to people meeting specific criteria

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The ability to migrate WhatsApp message between device is something that has been talked about for some time, and its something that people have been practically begging for. Now it is possible to migrate chat history from iOS to Android, but there is a catch.

And it is quite a big catch. Far from being an option that is being made available to everyone, it is something that only a special group of people
can take advantage of. WhatsApp is making an important change to privacy settings WhatsApp is introducing great new group chat options This WhatsApp update is adding a super helpful online shopping tool

But the limitations do not end there. Even if you find yourself falling
within these fairly narrow parameters, youll probably need to invest in an extra piece of hardware as the migration is not performed wireless or via the cloud.

The limitations are not because chat history migration is part of beta
testing or anything like that. Firstly, migration is only possible if youre running Android 12 , so that immediately cuts down the field quite dramatically. Secondly, you need to have an eligible Samsung handset or Pixel device. Time to move

As Google helpfully points out, all you need is a USB-C to Lightning cable to get started well, plus having the right phone running the correct version of Android, of course. With the two phones physically connected to each other, a quick scan of a QR code is all it takes to start the transfer.

Google also says that it has worked with WhatsApp to ensure secure data transfer, and this could explain the need for a cable. But theres no getting away from the fact that most people would prefer to be able to forego the wired connection and make do with end-to-end encryption and a wireless transfer. Analysis: a long-time coming

While the arrival of the iPhone to Android migration option will be welcomed by WhatsApp users switching platforms, there are many questions remaining.
The first of these has to be why did it take so long?. The exclusivity of the feature to such a small selection of phones is curious. Clearly there are bragging rights for Samsung and Google here, but users will undoubtedly question the thinking behind such narrow availability.

Then, of course, there is the question of Android versioning. Why make the option exclusive to Android 12? And there is a requirement for a physical cable in 2021? Why is it not easier and more user-friendly?

While the chat migration option is nice its extremely unlikely to sway many peoples buying decisions. Its not really attractive enough to make phone shoppers choose a Samsung or Pixel handset over their first preference. These are the best smartphones

Via Google



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/whatsapp-users-can-now-migrate-chats-from-ios-t o-android-with-some-huge-caveats/


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