New Delhi: Arattai, many of the users have heard this name on the internet. This is a homegrown messaging application, built by the Chennai-based firm Zoho, that has emerged as a local alternative to WhatsApp. Recently, Arattai saw record downloads a month ago, with the company founder Sridhar Vembu suggesting that the messaging applications should support cross compatibility. But now, it seems that the Arattai’s main rival, WhatsApp, is already working on such exciting features.
According to some sources, WhatsApp is testing a feature that would enable users to text people on other messaging platforms. While this is currently limited to the beta testers in Europe, this feature could allow users to send messages from WhatsApp to someone who may be using Arattai. Users can hold conversations with the Arattai user without having to open the Arattai application. In September, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu suggested that the idea of standardisation of messaging protocols between the applications, similar to how the UPI works today, should be adopted across different applications.
Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho, has written that, “These systems need to be interoperable like UPI and email, and not closed like WhatsApp today. We do not want to be a monopoly ever.” While it may seem that WhatsApp has beaten Sridhar Vembu’s team to it, it is likely that the Meta-owned platform is testing these features due to European Union regulations. The EU’s Digital Markets Act is targeted at curbing monopolies by big tech companies. Large messaging platforms like WhatsApp are also mandated to have open communication channels to other services.
Currently, this testing feature only supports one third-party application, BirdyChat. According to some reports, application developers must submit a request to WhatsApp to be included. Applications must also meet WhatsApp’s encryption requirements to ensure user privacy. Unlike WhatsApp, Arattai is yet to support end-to-end encryption for chats. However, the company has stated that it will bring end-to-end encryption support soon. But for now, it appears that the cross-compatibility will remain restricted to European markets to meet regulations. WhatsApp has not made any comments on expanding access to other regions, including India.
