Windows Mobile Phone – RIP

In 2014 I encountered a Windows Mobile Phone with a “Tiles” based user interface and I had to have one. Since then I have had uninterrupted service, more than adequate for my needs and I am sad to see it gradually fading away, which leads me to the issue that I cannot now use “WhatsApp” (the old version) on my Windows Phone.

No problem, as I have an Android mobile for other things, so I downloaded and installed a version of “WhatsApp” from the “Google Store” - easy and as it happens a friend was sending me a number automotive of photos. Great, the photos arrived but I was surprised that they were all fuzzy, yet there were no problems with the old version when viewing photographs that were sent to me.

I “Clicked” on one photo to see if that would solve the problem and received the following pop-up on my screen.

“To” …do something... “, allow WhatsApp access to your camera and your devices, photos, media and files”

In summary, if you want to use “WhatsApp” you have to agree to let “WhatsApp - Google?” access everything on your mobile phone.

I FIND THAT HORRENDOUS, IT IS UNDISGUISED BLACKMAIL – THERE WAS NO SUCH DEMAND ON THE OLD VERSION AND I CAN’T THINK OF ANY OTHER REASON OTHER THAN TO FORCE THE USER TO GIVE-UP ALL THEIR INFORMATION.

I have since uninstalled “WhatsApp” from my mobile phone, but I wonder how many users just “Click” “Allow” and surrender EVERYTHING on their mobile phone to use the “App”.

I believe that this is a Heavy price to pay as every time a user does this we move closer and closer to a world where we have no control of Who we Are and What We Do – or even worse What Someone Thinks We Should Do.

THINK ABOUT IT