WhatsApp, the most visible cross platform, instant messaging tool for the local market has become the darling of everyone out to derive added value from a high end feature phone or smart device.
With all its sturdy functionality and “can’t live without” status some improvement was inevitable though.Sooner or later someone had to come up with way of making a good experience great. Enter the appropriately named WhatsApp+ (aka WhatsApp Plus).
This modded version which has been around for quite a while now allows users to go beyond some basic boundaries set by the ordinary WhatsApp variant. It’s just like WhatsApp, with a similar user experience(you can WhatsApp all your contacts still on the ordinary version) but with added functionality.
So what exactly are the plus benefits of this amped up, pimped up version of WhatsApp that would make you go through the installation process?
The ability to customise the look and feel of your main IM platform is the biggest takeaway here. Some are bound to come off as trivial, especially for the average WhatsApp user keen on a just a cost effective communication tool.
However after running through the numerous options available here are the five that seem to have the greatest effect.
Adjusting the Conversation ,Contacts and Main Chats Screen
You have the ability to tweak colours for chats and the header in the conversation screen. There is also the Translucent mode for both conversation and chats screen in addition to the contacts screen. It definitely looks better than the ordinary WhatsApp background.
Changing the colour of the WhatsApp logo as well as message notification light
If you can pick your favourite colour why not do it, right? WhatsApp Plus has a default blue logo, but you can work with other options(including the default green), something that also extends to the notification light for a new message.
Adjusting the Media Upload Size The official WhatsApp has a media transfer limit of 16 MB which by most people’s standards is pretty modest. WhatsApp Plus lets you upload and send up to 50 MB. This is something to smile about for users keen on sharing more elaborate files especially those Zvirikufaya videos.
Added Visual Themes WhatsApp Plus has more than 1000 different themes that can be used to modify the general appearance of the IM platform. From soccer teams (Perfect for the Barclays Premier League season upon us), to cars and even fashion monikers ,there are several options to choose.
You can play around with the look and feel of the app to suit your needs or passions beyond the generic look that ordinarily would have required a second application to be used for a personal feel.
Additional Emoticons
A gallery of additional emoticons brings in amusing and colourful (excuse the pun) way to illustrate or emphasise points. Some of the popular emoticons ordinarily found on other IM platforms such as Skype are part of this added set.
So what’s the catch?
The installation process requires that you remove your existing WhatsApp version(after carrying out a manual backup) and proceed to install your WhatsApp Plus. As it is an “unofficial” version you won’ find it on Google Play, Windows Store or Apple Store. The apk is freely available on several online forums though.
If you had challenges “loading WhatsApp” on your device to the point of paying our enterprising brothers and sisters in First Street or at Copa Cabana the WhatsApp Plus process will undoubtedly prove to be more than a brain teaser for you.
Verdict
WhatsApp Plus has definitely got one over it’s bare basic original version. The fact that you have all these options to change the look and feel of one application that you use the most is a plus.
It’s biggest limitation however is the whole installation workaround and the aura of being an unofficial application, something that can put of first time users not keen on stepping out of their WhatsApp comfort zone.
On the whole scheme of things it is better than WhatsApp.
You can download WhatsApp plus by following the link below
What are your comments on the functionality of WhatsApp Plus? Do you prefer it to WhatsApp and other IM platforms?
26 comments
I think its better
I have had whatsapp+ for a bit now and it really does feel nice. I generally am not resistant to tech change, in fact i actually search for updates, tweaks and mods to my everday tools. Annoyingly you have to shell out $3.47 to be able to hide the “online” tag that she pesters me about when i dont reply to her IMs. Whether this paid hack does work, i dont know. Unfortunately most of those that write reviews are usually those pissed off after a failed service. Me, I really would rather buy a $12.63 season’s pass to my Formula1 timing app. Ndiniwo. So im waiting for some confirmation it works. Apart from that bit, what the author has written tends to show how great a modded app it is all the same. And i agree.
Eh LSM ndodawoka kuita review maDevices nemaApps. Ndonyora kupi? Kkk
Thanks dude. Send email to nigelg at our domain.
Mr Author please be balanced and give both the positive and the negative about the unofficial app.
Here is a situation. You have tonnes of money your bank account and doing ebanking on your phone. You go to funny website to get the app. You get the app and more!! The app is spying on you!! It records your key strokes.
Next day, you are a poor man because you are stupid.
Sir Juss. Your caution is good; but also implies you should never download any app, even from the official Play Store, bcoz u have no idea what what app harvests from your phone. matter fact dont even buy a phone bcoz even the manufacturer can be snooping on you
http://www.ibtimes.com/apple-admits-encrypted-iphone-personal-data-can-be-extracted-trusted-computers-1639870
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/7918536/Google-Android-apps-collecting-personal-data.html
That may be so. But there’s even less accountability and transparency from unknown sources.
No enforced checks and balances.
No user reviews or reporting if they suspect that the app is insidious
No authority to have some level of watching over any malicious activity.
It has even escaped XDA scrutiny because of a take down notice. So absolutely no one to keep them in line.
Very bad advice
The internet is a big and scary place. If you play in the dark corners of the internet where there are real hackers, not the Zim types, you wont enjoy the net.
Please TechZim don’t direct people to funny sites to get unofficial apps. Playing with fire!
I am using whatsapp plus from many months and trust me it is better than original whatsapp… i love the customisation options and the hide last seen status which is way better than original whatsapp.
There’s some level of assurance when one installs from an official store like the Play Store.
Like others,I would strongly discourage anyone from installing an app from an unknown source, that is not held to account and one which you have no idea where or to whom your data is going.
If you are in Zimbabwe the difference is the same because even if you are hacked, you have nowhere to have your case heard. I have that experience with Apple and Facebook.
I even found a bug on Facebook and countless times I try to contact them they ignore me because I am in Zimbabwe
Google, Facebook sell ads for revenue so they read data. Free apps for android, ios, windows also read data for their targeted ads. Apps in their stores are checked. Updates also checked. Who checks Whats app plus? Them selves?
Whatsapp is subscription based for revenue.
Whatsapp Plus is what realy?
Well, indeed whatsapp plus has its perks. But really is it worth it? I think honeslty for a busy person like I am the whatsapp plus version does not provide any enticing perks. Already my ordinary whatsapp on my Windows 8.1 enabled device or as a matter of fact any windows 8 device has the ability to change the color. So nothing exciting there for me. Still waiting for the real deal.
Whatsapp and this Whatsapp+ to me are just imitations of the real king in IM and that is BBM.
I tried to install the app but it failed,now the official whatsapp app wont reinstall. Poor recommendation .
Please comment on the issue of this site recommending the download of unofficial apps from “black” site.
What measures did you take to protect your readers ?
@ L.S.M Kabweza please respond to the above
I think, this is not recommending users to download and use “black” apps.
this is all over the internet, just like everyone knows there are torrents, etc.
its up to the reader to choose what they want. the download site actually specifies this is a MODed version.
Plus these are developers having fun hacking Whatapp, and i for one love to try out new stuff.
Actually installed it just now, and toying around with the app.
The day WhatsApp goes completely seamless, that is to say I can chat from any Internet enabled device seamlessly only then will I Salute them
It’s a great app. Thank you sir
Careless advice. On one article you talk about the launch of another,consolidated online payment service, on the next you recommend an app from the wild that will most likely be used by the same people who will use apps using that payment service
I doubt you are intentionally giving a bad recommendation
You could be naive or just careless
since its an APK file and my mobile (Blackberry) uses .COD and .ALX files can it still work?
I think this is reckless of you, an ICT professional. Most lay readers, without a background in ICT take your word as the be all and end all. The least you should have done was to advise readers of the potential pitfalls associated with downloading unverified apps. A simple cost – benefit analysis.
I have been using it for many months now, but it does have a downside. if you have problems installing it, and make many attempts, you might get your number blocked by whatsapp (this actually happened to a friend of mine). The use of this app is against whatsapp’s terms and conditions (http://www.whatsapp.com/faq/en/general/23154266)…in short, enjoy at your own risk!
kkk it has ahappened. They have blocked everyone on Whatsapp +
LOL, I saw this one coming a long time ago.
my nokia e63 whatsapp jst stopped working today
Nd itz nt yet june 30..i guess it has expired but its not deleting for me to download a new one
Pls help out,what can i do???