I used to really like WhatsApp ($0.99, review) for its IM-like interface and conveniences (“typing…” and read status rock), but I think the service has become too popular for its own good. I’m guessing that far too many people are on the WhatsApp network, and I’m basing that hunch on how incredibly sloth-like the service has become.
I’m accustomed to messaging apps requiring a moment to refresh their database when I come back to them, but WhatsApp has taken it to a whole new level recently. Push Notifications still come in fine, but actually loading the messages within WhatsApp can take forever and a day. I’ll get a message from my sister to “PLAY MINECRAFT NAOOO”, but depending on WhatsApp’s current mood, it can take anywhere from three to ten seconds to reply. A fraction of that time is spent switching back to the app, and the majority is spent waiting in the Chats list for the “PLAY MINECRAFT NAOOO” message to appear at the top of the list and become tappable.
I deleted the chat histories for all of my contacts in the hopes of making the app connect just a little faster, but nothing has helped. The problem has persisted for a good couple of weeks (or months) and I’m now seriously considering taking my messaging elsewhere. Unfortunately, although there is no shortage of alternative messaging platforms to jump to, finding a platform that felt as clean and fast as WhatsApp did when I first joined up is going to be tough.
I’m going to try a re-install of WhatsApp as a last ditch effort, but if it doesn’t pan out, I’ll probably be heading to Beluga (for messaging, not caviar).
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