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WhatsApp With Screen Readers

by | Nov 10, 2023 | Internet | 0 comments

Overview

WhatsApp is a freeware, cross-platform, centralized instant messaging (IM) and voice-over-IP (VoIP) service owned by United States tech conglomerate Meta Platforms. It allows users to send text, voice messages and video messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other content. WhatsApp’s client application runs on mobile devices, and can be accessed from computers. The service requires a cellular mobile telephone number to sign up.

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users in over 180 countries. It is especially popular in developing countries, where it is often used as a primary means of communication.

WhatsApp is known for its ease of use, reliability, and security. It uses end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls, meaning that only the sender and receiver can read or listen to them. WhatsApp also offers a number of other security features, such as two-factor authentication and disappearing messages.

In addition to its basic messaging and calling features, WhatsApp also offers a number of other features, such as:

  • Groups: WhatsApp allows users to create groups of up to 512 people to chat with. Groups can be used for a variety of purposes, such as staying in touch with family and friends, planning events, or collaborating on projects.
  • Broadcast lists: Broadcast lists allow users to send messages to multiple people at once without having to create a group. This is useful for sending messages to a large group of people, such as an announcement or a newsletter.
  • Status updates: WhatsApp users can set a status update that is visible to their contacts. Status updates can be used to let people know what you are up to, or to share something interesting.
  • Payments: WhatsApp offers a payments feature that allows users to send and receive money from their contacts. This feature is currently only available in some countries.

WhatsApp is a powerful and versatile messaging app that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is easy to use, reliable, and secure. If you are looking for a messaging app to stay in touch with friends and family, or to communicate with colleagues or clients, WhatsApp is a great option.

Navigation in WhatsApp using Screen Readers:

To navigate WhatsApp on a computer using a screen reader, you can follow these steps:

  1. Open WhatsApp Web or the WhatsApp desktop app.
  2. If you are using WhatsApp Web, scan the QR code with your phone to log in.
  3. Once you are logged in, use the tab key to navigate the interface; your screen reader will announce the “Chats” list.
  4. To navigate through the chats list, use the arrow keys.
  5. To open a chat, press Enter.
  6. Once you are in a chat, your screen reader will announce the name of the contact or group you are chatting with. Use the tab key to navigate various options of that chat.
  7. To navigate through the messages in the chat, use the arrow keys. To perform functions such as reply, forward, delete, copy, etc., press the application key or Shift + F10 to open the context menu and choose your option by pressing Enter.
  8. To send a message, type your message in the text box at the bottom of the chat window and press Enter. To add a new line while typing a message, use Ctrl + Enter.

To access other features of WhatsApp, such as the status updates, the settings, and the contacts list, use the Tab key to navigate to the desired option and press Enter.

Here are some additional tips for navigating WhatsApp on a computer using a screen reader:

  • To use keyboard shortcuts, press Ctrl + F1 to open a list of all available keyboard shortcuts.
  • To use the screen reader’s browse mode, press Ctrl + B. In browse mode, you can use the arrow keys to navigate through all of the elements on the screen, including hidden elements.
  • To use the screen reader’s focus mode, press Ctrl + Space. In focus mode, you can use the arrow keys to navigate through all of the focusable elements on the screen.
  • To use the screen reader’s virtual cursor, press Ctrl + Shift + V. The virtual cursor allows you to interact with elements on the screen without moving the focus.

Shortcut Key Commands:

WhatsApp Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows:

  1. WhatsApp for Web
  2. Windows desktop client
  1. Mark as read
    • Ctrl + Alt + Shift + U
    • Ctrl + Shift + U
  2. Mute
    • Ctrl + Alt + Shift + M
    • Ctrl + Shift + M
  3. Archive chat
    • Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E
    • Ctrl + Shift + E
  4. Delete chat
    • Ctrl + Alt + Backspace
    • Ctrl + Shift + D
  5. Pin chat
    • Ctrl + Alt + Shift + P
    • Ctrl + Shift + P
  6. Search
    • Ctrl + Alt + /
    • Ctrl + F
  7. Search chat
    • Ctrl + Alt + Shift + F
    • Ctrl + Shift + F
  8. New chat
    • Ctrl + Alt + N
    • Ctrl + N
  9. Next chat
    • Ctrl + Alt + Tab
    • Ctrl + Tab
  10. Previous chat
    • Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Tab
    • Ctrl + Shift + Tab
  11. Close chat
    • Escape (Esc)
    • Escape (Esc)
  12. New group
    • Ctrl + Alt + Shift + N
    • Ctrl + Shift + N
  13. Profile and about
    • Ctrl + Alt + P
    • Ctrl + P
  14. Settings
    • Ctrl + Alt
    • Ctrl + ,
  15. Emoji panel
    • Ctrl + Alt + E
    • Ctrl + E
  16. GIF panel
    • Ctrl + Alt + G
    • Ctrl + G
  17. Sticker panel
    • Ctrl + Alt + S
    • Ctrl + S
  18. Extended search
    • Alt + K
    • Alt + K
  19. Lock screen
    • Ctrl + Alt + L