When WhatsApp launched their browser based WhatsApp Web, it ushered in an age of relief and harmony, as people who were out of reach of their smartphones but sitting at their computer could easily read their WhatsApp messages from Google Chrome or Firefox. However, as with all things, we’re never truly satisfied and that brief moment of respite soon gave away to statements like “Ugh, I have to open a new tab and load WhatsApp up, can’t I just automatically be connected?” It seems that the creators of WhatsApp have heard our pleas; they’ve launched a desktop application for the popular messaging service.
“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. Like WhatsApp Web, our desktop app is simply an extension of your phone: the app mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device.”
This is the latest in a series of changes the popular messaging platform has undergone; they recently enabled end-to-end encryption for all users.
To log into the desktop application you will need to scan the QR code presented using the WhatsApp mobile app. Chats will then be loaded and you will be able to use the application much like the browser based WhatsApp Web. However, benefits of the desktop application include desktop notifications and access to all your favourite keyboard shortcuts. WhatsApp recently surpassed over a billion users and with this new feature aims to spread to further platforms.
WhatsApp is available on Windows 8 and above, as well as on Mac OS X 10.9 and above.
