Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by anoncow 4615 days ago
Whatsapp runs on tablets without a SIM card. After sms verification fails, whatsapp calls your number and provides a verification code. There is sometimes an issue with play store not allowing you to install whatsapp, but that is easily fixed by downloading the apk fron the official website.
1 comments
sneak 4615 days ago
The fact that it isn't in the Play store is the problem, not the fact that it's not on my individual tablet.

Sideloading never "easily fix[es]" anything that needs to happen on hundreds of millions of mobile devices owned largely by nontechnical users.

Network effect, remember?

link
anoncow 4615 days ago
That is true. I think whatsapp is trying to avoid confusing SIM-less users , but in the bargain is missing out on potential users, who might want to use whatsapp on their tablet rather than their cellphone.
link