Skip to main content

WhatsApp launches native desktop app for Windows and Mac

WhatsApp launches native desktop app for Windows and Mac
WhatsApp announced today that it has launched a native desktop app that’s available on both Windows and Mac devices. The Facebook-owned company said that it supports desktop notifications, better keyboard shortcuts, and more. All messages are synced with WhatsApp’s mobile devices as well.

Earlier this week, leaked screenshots indicated that a desktop app was going to be released soon, allowing you to send messages to friends and share files, all from your PC.
The addition of WhatsApp’s desktop app joins Facebook Messenger which debuted a standalone version of its service for the web and also PC. The addition of this new tool makes the service more accessible and could be aimed at helping to accelerate growth — WhatsApp already counts more than 1 billion monthly active users, a number that could soon be surpassed by its messaging cousin.
WhatsApp’s desktop app works on computers with MacOS X 10.9, Windows 8, or higher. After installing the app, you’ll have to scan a QR code using the WhatsApp app on your mobile device — the feature will be under “Settings” > “WhatsApp Web”. If the QR code is recognized, you’ll be authenticated on the desktop. WhatsApp for desktop connects to your phone to sync messages so potentially quite a bit of data will constantly be transmitted, depending on usage of course. The company advises that you connect your phone to Wi-Fi.
The desktop app is essentially no different than the mobile version: You can find contacts to communicate with and attach emojis and files to messages. Voice dictation is supported as well.
Releasing a new app comes just days after the company faces continued legal issues within Brazil concerning access to user data. A judge in the country has already suspended the service twice and even ordered the imprisonment of a Facebook executive over demands to access WhatsApp’s encrypted messaging service as part of a drug trafficking investigation.
Having a desktop app certainly will make communicating not only with loved ones but friends and business associates much easier, especially when your messages as synced. It’s now more on par with competitors like Facebook Messenger, Skype, and Telegram to have a native desktop tool.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

West Ham say goodbye to Upton Park after 2,398 matches

West Ham will bid a fond farewell to Upton Park after they host Manchester United on Tuesday night.
Post a Comment
Read more

Hazard Complete’s Incredible comeback To Win League for Leicester

Chelsea needed some stardust from Eden Hazard to hold Tottenham Hotspurs at Stamford bridge and effectively win the league for Leicester city.
Post a Comment
Read more

Samsung to give Korean Note 7 owners a 50% discount on Note 8

Samsung is offering Note 7 owners in South Korea the chance to upgrade their phone to a Note 8 for half the price when the as-yet-unannounced handset becomes available next year. According to a report from Reuters, the company announced the deal as part of an ongoing exchange program for the Note 7 in its home country, but there’s no word on whether the same offer will be made in the US. In a statement on Monday, Samsung said customers who trade in their Note 7 phone for either a flat-screen or curved-screen version of the Galaxy S7 can trade up for a Galaxy S8 or Note 8 smartphone launching next year through an upgrade programme. The news seemingly confirms that Samsung will be continuing the Note line despite the disaster of the Note 7, which was permanently discontinued earlier this month. According to Reuters, Note 7 owners in Korea will only have to pay half the price of a Galaxy S7 to get their hands on a Galaxy S8 or Note 8 next year. When Samsung was asked if the sa...
Post a Comment
Read more