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The desktop client/multiple platform thing is so huge, I don't understand why WhatsApp, for instance, avoids this. My group of friends uses a lot of iMessage,

by smw 13y ago

The desktop client/multiple platform thing is so huge, I don't understand why WhatsApp, for instance, avoids this. My group of friends uses a lot of iMessage, and I really hate the fact that I can neither use an iMessage app sitting in front of a Windows/Linux machine, nor can I use the iMessage app to view/respond to SMS from people who don't have iOS devices. Who wants to take your phone out of your pocket and hunt and peck on a tiny keyboard when you can just type ~80 wpm on the computer in front of you?

querulous 13y ago
whatsapp replaces texts for most users. they probably wouldn't read/reply to messages from their computer even if they could
- smw 13y ago
  Why not? By virtue of my profession, I spend many hours in front of a computer during the day. Every time I receive a text -- which is pretty often, I'm wishing I could read respond on the device I'm currently using, instead of switching screens/keyboards. What would make someone prefer using the other device?
- Encosia 13y ago
  One of the main reasons I stick with Google Voice for my primary number is so I can send and receive SMS messages from a computer with a keyboard. There's a Windows 8 app so I can use it on my desktop and Surface natively, and it works well enough on my iPhone too, so it's everywhere for me. I wouldn't even consider replacing that with WhatsApp, specifically because they don't have/allow clients on desktop/laptop devices. As in, I thought about checking WhatsApp out, searched for info on desktop clients, a Trillian plugin, or something, and immediately ruled out using it at all based on the lack of those things.
- lucaspiller 13y ago
  Don't know why this is being downvoted, because it's probably true. Maybe not for the crowed of HN, but outside of that a lot of people use phones/tablets a lot more than laptops - especially younger people.

by smw 13y ago

querulous 13y ago

whatsapp replaces texts for most users. they probably wouldn't read/reply to messages from their computer even if they could

smw 13y ago
Why not? By virtue of my profession, I spend many hours in front of a computer during the day. Every time I receive a text -- which is pretty often, I'm wishing I could read respond on the device I'm currently using, instead of switching screens/keyboards. What would make someone prefer using the other device?
Encosia 13y ago
One of the main reasons I stick with Google Voice for my primary number is so I can send and receive SMS messages from a computer with a keyboard. There's a Windows 8 app so I can use it on my desktop and Surface natively, and it works well enough on my iPhone too, so it's everywhere for me. I wouldn't even consider replacing that with WhatsApp, specifically because they don't have/allow clients on desktop/laptop devices. As in, I thought about checking WhatsApp out, searched for info on desktop clients, a Trillian plugin, or something, and immediately ruled out using it at all based on the lack of those things.
lucaspiller 13y ago
Don't know why this is being downvoted, because it's probably true. Maybe not for the crowed of HN, but outside of that a lot of people use phones/tablets a lot more than laptops - especially younger people.