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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

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WhatsApp running through android-translation-layer (no container!) on Linux desktop (lemmy.kde.social)

submitted 2 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

63 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Since https://www.reddit.com/r/linux/comments/1gdhy7u/experimental_flathub_release_of_newpipe_on_linux/ got a bit of traction yesterday, this is WhatsApp straight from Meta running on Linux desktop using android-translation-layer.

android-translation-layer (ATL) is a Wine-like approach to run Android applications on Linux. Rather than running an Android container like for example Waydroid does this instead implements the Android API. Note that right now it's very much work in progress and almost no app will work yet, but the fact that they have apps like Newpipe and WhatsApp running already is very promising!

Join the Matrix chat at #android-translation-layer:matrix.org and follow along!

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[–] [email protected] 16 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I'm curious, doesn't WhatsApp require a phone number to be attached to an account? As in, I thought activating it doesn't work on devices without a SIM card?

[–] [email protected] 44 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I haven't used it in a while, but I think it just sends you an SMS with a code that you can enter manually, so yeah it works on devices without a SIM

[–] [email protected] 15 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Exactly. I created my whatsapp account in waydroid like this.

[–] [email protected] 14 points 2 days ago (4 children)

...but it can't run both in your phone and in your computer, right? For that you need the desktop app (which is Windows only) or the web app, which linux apps encapsulate right?

[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 days ago

I've never tried having the app on multiple devices - I specifically didn't want it on my phone - but it's worth a try. I use whatsapp web in firefox, and only start waydroid when I need to log in again. The third party linux apps just load whatsapp web in electron or something.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

You're right, you can't run the Android (or iOS app) twice. If you want a second device running WhatsApp you'll need the web app.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 day ago

I think you can link a second Whatsapp app, similar to the web client. your primary one needs a webcam to read the QR code though

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 days ago

In new update you can. Just have to link it.