What's App , why isn't it available on iPad?

[brianmaslen]

Why isn't WhatsApp available on iPad? Or is it soon to be released?

 

[adventuredon]

Because ipads tried to be aloof

Sent from my D5503 using Tapatalk

 

[cookie]

Because iPads are not phones.

 

[Wreford Miles]

Because iPads are not phones.

They are if you use TUGO

 

[brianmaslen]

Because iPads are not phones.

Really, is that a technical answer? I can receive texts to my IPad, I can use FaceTime, so technically what stops the makers/owners of WhatsApp (who I believe is now Facebook) from making it work on iPad. Come on Cookie, I know you are a pretty knowledgable chap on these matters so please help me understand.

As a second question why exactly have Facebook bought WhatsApp?

 

[brianmaslen]

They are if you use TUGO

I've looked at Tugo as an O2 user but haven't quite worked out whether it's useful to me. I use an GiffGaff Sim in my iPad for cellular connection when no wifi is available and this works well in practice providing you remember to add credit before travelling abroad.

 

[er-minio]

Really, is that a technical answer? I can receive texts to my IPad, I can use FaceTime, so technically what stops the makers/owners of WhatsApp (who I believe is now Facebook) from making it work on iPad.

The Whatsup account is tied to your mobile phone number.
Wasssup decided not to let their software run on anything that doesn't actually make phone calls.


It sort of make sense... since the confusion that iMessage introduced over text messages for some tech-challenged users (you send iMessage to a phone number, receive a reply from an Apple ID, if it's not set up properly you don't know if you are bloody texting them on the iPad's account or phone etc. etc.).

As a second question why exactly have Facebook bought WhatsApp?

Users.
Content.
Tech.
Better instant messaging platform than what they had.
Most probably.
If I knew exactly I would have had much more money by now.

 

[cookie]

i may be wrong on this but i think what's app works via the cell sms system. the ipad cannot use this as it is not enabled like an iphone.

you can't get sms texts on an i pad. you can get apple Message texts which look the same but can only come from apple devices. maybe there are some 3rd party apps that convert sms to message, i don't know?

edit: i see er minio has answered your question better than me, and more accurately too by the look of it

 

[Max_W]

Apparently you can install it without a jailbreak, details here. I've not tried it yet but will have a go later and report back.

 

[brianmaslen]

Apparently you can install it without a jailbreak, details here. I've not tried it yet but will have a go later and report back.

Thanks chaps, think I understand now.

 

[Wreford Miles]

I've looked at Tugo as an O2 user but haven't quite worked out whether it's useful to me. I use an GiffGaff Sim in my iPad for cellular connection when no wifi is available and this works well in practice providing you remember to add credit before travelling abroad.

I like it as your iPad becomes your phone...

Great for when you've left your phone at home ( I have it so the iPad can be my work or personal phone)

I've also found it useful when I'm on holiday and the phones off and in the safe but I want to make a quick call