The Multi-device computing system makes apps shareable on various devices. This includes sharing cameras, displays, speakers, microphones, sensors, and GPS, across multiple smartphones and tablets. KalamTime, the instant messaging app endorses this feature because it understands the hassle behind not being able to send messages via a laptop or tablet since your phone is not connected to the internet. Thus, through its Multi-device function, KalamTime offers a platform that’s synchronized but also works independently on all of your devices.
Similarly, the meta-owned Whatsapp has also incorporated the feature of Multi-device allowing access to the app on any electronic device without the original smartphone present. The users can link up to four devices to their Whatsapp via Whatsapp Web.
This recent addition to Whatsapp will permit users to open their accounts and send or receive messages on a secondary device even if the primary phone is not connected to the internet. However, the smartphone should be linked to the internet before accessing your account through the secondary device. This is available to both Android and iOs users.
How to use Multi-Device Functionality for Whatsapp?
Just opt for the feature, which is still classified as “Beta,” in WhatsApp’s ‘Linked Devices’ menu. After being linked your account will send and receive messages on a secondary device for up to 14 days even if it is offline. Therefore, you don’t need to be concerned about your original smartphone being connected to the Internet for a fortnight. This is especially of service when your smartphone might have been stolen, misplaced or run out of battery. For immediate contact, Whatsapp Web will enable your communication.
Advantages of Whatsapp Multi-Device Function
When in need of an urgent response while one is in the midst of a mishap such as theft of a smartphone or drained battery, Whatsapp Web will allow the user to message the recipient in no time through another device. This is also essential in countries where power shortages are inevitable and internet connection is not available 24/7. The device logs you out of WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop if you sign in to the service on another computer or browser window.
Downsides of Whatsapp Multi-Device Function
Since Whatsapp has included this feature just a little while back, for starters, the users may face some issues with synching data between linked devices. They won’t be able to pin chats or have access to already pinned ones, they can’t view or join group invites and aren’t able to see a user’s live location either. The Whatsapp business users will also need their smartphones to edit their profile information as it is not possible through desktop computers at present. Same goes for people trying to contact others using the older version of Whatsapp. They may be unable to even Whatsapp calls through the previous version.
In addition, on iOS Multi-device functionality is limited. You can’t erase conversations or messages from a connected device. A tablet or a second smartphone can still not be linked to WhatsApp. Users must update their WhatsApp to the newest version and touch the three-dot menu to see if they have got the update. Then enable the option by tapping “Linked devices.”
According to a report in WABetaInfo, many users are complaining about WhatsApp automatically logging users out of their linked devices to fix the syncing issue as a safety precaution. In Spite of this, these problems are expected to be fixed once the Whatsapp multi-device support rolls out of its beta phase and is open to the wider public sphere.Those who have received the fix will see a message when they open WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices. The message reads “Your devices were logged out due to an unexpected issue. Please re-link your devices.”
What is Multi-Device Management (MDM)?
With the world turning into a global village and technology prosering at a rapid pace, many portable and on-the move electronic devices have come in handy. Such wearable gadgets include smartwatches, phones, laptops and tablets. Therefore many companies have allowed convenience to their employees by implementing a Bring Your Own Device (BOYD) policy. Nevertheless, the drawback of using personal devices by each worker is that it may pose problems for multi-device management and security.
However, a possible solution is the MDM platform which allows the company to be aware of all outside connecting devices that have access to the company’s software and inside information.
Working of a Multi-Device Management Platform
This is a very valuable program which monitors all outside devices linking with your company’s software and helps to press restrictions on such devices in accordance with the company’s privacy policy.
How MDM Fulfills its Safety Objectives
- Processing what areas of database and software are accessible to users
- Survey user activity and any device or user showing suspicious behaviour is limited access. MDM can also detect malware and viruses.
- Corporate database has some isolated data which is considered sensitive and shouldn’t be approachable by any employee who has their individual device
- MDM ensures certain safety precautions are applied to any device before connecting it to the company database to minimize theft of important information
- Scanning the connecting devices so they meet your criteria of operating system and hardware.
How to Make Use of an MDM Platform?
An MDM platform can either be used individually or as part of another application such as an enterprise app a company has created. It can also be integrated into existing technologies. An MDM app can be based on premises or in the cloud.
Through this you can eradicate any technical problem associated with the use of outside devices like introduction of viruses, malware or infringement of company information. An MDM program must be tailored according to each company’s IT set-up and the corporate policies or objectives.
