Popular mobile instant messaging service WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, has finally launched native desktop versions of its application for Windows and Mac.
“Today we’re introducing a desktop app so you have a new way to stay in touch anytime and anywhere, whether on your phone or computer at home or work,” WhatsApp said in a blog post.
“Like WhatsApp Web, our desktop app is simply an extension of your phone: the app mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device.”
WhatsApp launched a Web-based version of its service in January 2015 to allow desktop users to send and receive messages. The Windows and Mac versions essentially bring the Web version to native client apps written for the Microsoft and Apple platforms.
The new desktop app is available for Windows 8 and higher (sorry, Windows 7 users) and Mac OS 10.9 and higher and is synced with WhatsApp on a user’s mobile device.
“Because the app runs natively on your desktop, you’ll have support for native desktop notifications, better keyboard shortcuts and more,” WhatsApp said in the blog post.
WhatsApp has more than a billion users worldwide.
To download the app, visit the download page from your desktop browser. Then open the app and scan the QR code using the WhatsApp app on your phone (look for WhatsApp Web menu under Settings). — (c) 2016 NewsCentral Media