What is Whatsapp and how does it work on a smartphone: 10 facts to know

May 20, 2018, 12:53 PM IST

Whatsapp is a messaging app that is owned by Mark Zuckerberg led Facebook. He bought it for over $16 bn. Exactly how Whatsapp works is explained below:

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WhatsApp needs to be downloaded from Google Play or Apple Store, it is available for both Android and Apple iPhone OS. The messaging app is free in India. 

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How can Whatsapp be used? Users can use the app to chat (by sending and receiving text), share photo, video and all sorts of files.

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Whatsapp can be used by 2 people coummunicating with each other, or via groups in which a number of people can converse (via text or even so called emojis) with each other at the same time.

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Can WhatsApp do video calls? Yes, you can see and talk to people at the same time.

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WhatsApp is available both for smartphones and the wider web too.

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How popular is WhatsApp? Over 1 billion people in some 180 countries, including India, use this messenger app.

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Facebook bought Whatsapp even though it had its own Facebook Messenger, but it was in a distant 2nd spot. This purchase made Facebook No. 1 in the world.

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Where did the name WhatsApp come from? It is a pun on the popular saying What's up!

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How safe is WhatsApp? Messages and calls are secured with end-to-end encryption. 

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