Hacker News Reader

Is there some loophole to just do custom WhatsApp clients without running your own network?

One that never loads images would be lovely.

You literally have an option in WhatsApp do disable loading of audio/image/video.

Oh yes, it's there, thanks. I wonder when they added it...

Edit: Waaait a bit. I have it on iOS and I have it on some laptop where whatsapp desktop is an old version.

I can't find it on my desktop where their desktop app is the latest and greatest...

They probably "improved my whatsapp experience".

Edit 2: besides, that just doesn't download the photos, I think? They still take half the screen that could be used for displaying more text...

> I wonder when they added it...

At least 7-8 years. Probably from whenever it became possible to send media messages.

Does not work on any version of whatsapp desktop, even the ones that have the option present. I still get all the crappy gifs in my chats.

The option to disable auto download has been there since day 1.

I'm using Beeper with its Matrix bridges just fine

Wait list? Is that a secret society? Do I need two existing members to vouch for me?

No, it's just load management. They run a full matrix home server for all their users and a bunch of bridges.