[kccqzy]

I don't think WhatsApp Web is a ridiculous hack. Instead I think it's quite an ingenious hack to allow you to use a computer to send and receive messages without 1) dealing with the pesky message synchronisation issues that plague iMessage, and 2) having the server store all messages. And your phone only needs to be connected to the Internet, not necessarily on the same network. Regarding the use of QR code, I think it's a clever way to authenticate too; no password to memorise, just a long random auth token.

[tpinto]

Have you even tried Telegram on the Web? It's clearly superior and yes, WhatsApp's solution feels like a nasty hack when compared to it. Also, didn't get that mention to iMessage.

[morsch]

Does it work when you're not storing your messages on their servers?

[jhasse]

No

[izacus]

Except that it stops working as soon as the phone enters sleep mode or (if you're roaming or something) has no reliable data connection.

[untog]

Except that it stops working as soon as the phone enters sleep mode

Can't say I've ever experienced that.

[izacus]

Android 6.0 Doze mode actually distrupts it, I should have perhaps been clearer.