New Delhi: WhatsApp has recently started rolling out its application for selected Garmin smartwatches, allowing users to read, reply, and react to messages directly from their wrist.
This application is now available via the Connect IQ Store, which also requires a paired Apple or Android smartphone with WhatsApp installed and adds basic messaging functions such as viewing chats, sending replies through the built-in keyboard, and handling incoming call alerts.
The WhatsApp application is also supported on select Garmin smartwatch series, including models under the Fenix, Forerunner, Venu, and Vivoactive series.
To use this latest feature, the users must have a compatible smartwatch paired with an Apple or Android smartphone that already has the WhatsApp mobile application installed.
Garmin has also stated that WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption remains in place, which means messages and calls continue to be accessible only to the sender and recipient.
The users can view the recent messages and ongoing conversations directly on their smartwatch. It also enables them to read incoming messages and respond using an on-device keyboard. The users can send quick replies via emojis and reactions, as well as scroll through recent chat history, with up to 10 messages visible on the screen at the time.
This application also surfaces incoming WhatsApp calls, by offering the user the option to decline them from their wrist.
It also expands the messaging capabilities on Garmin devices, by offering basic communication features without requiring the users to take out their devices.
