Hey there, my awesome followers! It’s your favorite funny tech guy, Nuked, back with some exciting news about WhatsApp. So, listen up because this one’s a goodie!

According to the folks over at WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is cooking up something special in their latest Android beta update (version 2.23.19.8). They’ve introduced a brand-new screen called “Third-party chats.” Now, before you get too excited, let me tell you that this screen is currently not functional or accessible to users. But don’t you worry, my friends, because it gives us a pretty strong hint about what’s to come.

So, what’s the big deal with this “Third-party chats” screen? Well, it seems like WhatsApp is taking its first step towards making their encrypted messaging app compatible across different platforms. That means you’ll be able to chat with your friends who use other messaging apps without any hassle. Pretty cool, right?

Now, here’s where things get even more interesting. Just a few days ago, the European Commission dropped a bombshell by declaring that Meta (the company behind WhatsApp) is a “gatekeeper” under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). What does that mean? It means that Meta has certain obligations to meet when it comes to interoperability with third-party messaging apps.

The DMA aims to prevent gatekeepers like Meta from imposing unfair conditions and ensure the openness of important digital services. In simpler terms, it wants to make sure that WhatsApp and other messaging apps can play nicely with each other. And guess what? The DMA gives Meta until March 2024 to make it happen.

But wait, there’s more! Meta isn’t the only one feeling the heat. Microsoft is also in the mix with their own plans for a mobile app store. The European Commission is currently investigating whether Apple’s iMessage and Microsoft’s Bing search engine, Edge browser, and advertising service meet the requirements of the DMA. It’s a real tech showdown, my friends!

So, in conclusion, WhatsApp is gearing up for some cross-platform messaging action, thanks to their new “Third-party chats” screen. The DMA is pushing for interoperability between messaging apps, and Meta and Microsoft are getting ready to play by the rules. It’s an exciting time in the world of tech, my friends, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

That’s all for now, folks! Stay tuned for more tech updates from your favorite funny guy, Nuked. Catch you later!