WhatsApp finally releases proper desktop app

Whatsapp has dabbled in desktop waters before, but now, the world’s most popular mobile instant messenger seems to be going all-in.

Yes, after years of user requests, the Facebook-owned company has finally launched a proper desktop app for Windows and Mac computers.

It’s not the first time that WhatsApp has brought the platform to desktop, launching the WhatsApp Web service last year. This earlier browser-based service used a QR code system to mirror your phone’s WhatsApp data.

The desktop app works in a similar way, effectively mirroring your phone’s WhatsApp messages, chats and contacts. In other words, it’s not a standalone offering as you’ll need a smartphone with WhatsApp installed.

“The new desktop app is available for Windows 8+ and Mac OS 10.9+ and is synced with WhatsApp on your mobile device. Because the app runs natively on your desktop, you’ll have support for native desktop notifications, better keyboard shortcuts, and more,” the messaging firm said in a blog post.

Want to get in on the action? Then visit whatsapp.com/download on your PC, install the app and scan the resulting QR code via WhatsApp on your phone.

The move comes just over a month after WhatsApp introduced end-to-end encryption for “every call you make, and every message, photo, video, file, and voice message you send”.

The Facebook-owned company teamed up with security specialists Open Whisper Systems for the encryption effort.