Facebook Buying WhatsApp for $16B in Cash and Stock Plus $3B in RSUs

Post by pbhjpbhj » Thu, Feb 20, 2014, 2:45 AM UTC

lsc wrote: post #493

pbhjpbhj wrote: post #482

Earlier quoted context omitted.

OK, yes, "retain continuity of addressability for every device" then - you'll need something at your end to push a signed notification out indicating your IP address change but there's no reason that can't be seamless like texting your contacts a new phone number but without any interaction needed.

>OK, yes, "retain continuity of addressability for every device" then - you'll need something at your end to push a signed notification out indicating your IP address change but there's no reason that can't be seamless like texting your contacts a new phone number but without any interaction needed. so, you mean like dynamic updates to DNS? tsig-signed nsupdate? It's old technology, and would do what you describe (we…

Post by zanny » Thu, Feb 20, 2014, 2:47 AM UTC

nullspace wrote: post #420

ams6110 wrote: post #405

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'll admit to a distinct feeling, that I've started to lose touch with pop technology. I've never heard of WhatsApp. Though I had most definitely heard of Hotmail in 1998.

It's not really "pop" technology. Surprisingly, it's not used much in the United States, but in India it's basically a replacement for text messaging. Everyone from a 13 year old child to my grand mom uses it to keep in touch with friends and family members across the globe. IMHO, they were able to get to such widespread everyday usage because they such awesome and reliable technology. Much better than what Google ha…

Post by hocuspocus » Thu, Feb 20, 2014, 2:48 AM UTC

boomzilla wrote: post #466

scrabble wrote: post #387

Earlier quoted context omitted.

My first year free just ran out. They sent me a message that I get to continue for another year for free. It's hard to believe anyone pays for this.

Have you been a heavy user? I have a sneaky feeling that they will let light users have it free, but start charging heavy users. That makes sense, because if you are a light user, there is not a lot incentive to pay.

Post by anigbrowl » Thu, Feb 20, 2014, 2:51 AM UTC

statictype wrote: post #529

anigbrowl wrote: post #483

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What's special about Whatsapp that made them choose this platform rather than (say) email, any other chap app, or even Facebook itself?

It's simple. It's instant. Not everyone (especially in Asia) has a Facebook account or even wants on. SMS was already what was powering communications in Asia. Whatsapp took SMS , added images, group chat and removed the cost. Also, it was free and works on Android (Very important in South Asia). Many older people get smartphones just to use whatsapp to communicate with others. I'm not joking. I upgraded my mom to a…

Post by dinkumthinkum » Thu, Feb 20, 2014, 2:53 AM UTC

diminoten wrote: post #294

Karunamon wrote: post #3

Welp. There's another app that I won't be accepting any updates for from now on...

I'm glad people are finally realizing what they're giving up for convenience. I personally don't mind having no privacy if everything becomes super convenient, but at least people are cognizant of the tradeoff now.