WhatsApp on Tuesday announced the launch of a desktop app for Mac OS X, allowing users to easily carry on their conversations from their computers natively. The move comes several months after debuting a web version of its popular chat service.
To download the new desktop version of WhatsApp, visit whatsapp.com/download from your desktop browser. Then, open the app and scan the QR code using the WhatsApp app on your smartphone (be sure to look for WhatsApp Web menu under Settings).
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.
There are certain benefits of having a native desktop applications from the user’s point of view, as now you will be able to take advantage of native desktop notifications as well as keyboard shortcuts among other things. The app does not offer a typical login screen, instead you have to scan a QR code on your iPhone in order to activate your account on the desktop version of the application. Once you have done so you can begin talking to friends and continue conversations from where you left off.
Rumors surfaced at the beginning of May that WhatsApp was planning on launching a desktop app, and it didn’t take the messaging platform long to make the app official. In early April WhatsApp confirmed that it had rolled out end-to-end encryption for all of its messaging options, regardless of platform, and it would stand to reason the same encryption is available for the desktop app.
WhatsApp for Mac requires Mac OS X 10.9+ whereas the Windows version needs at least Windows 8 to run. You can download the apps using the links below or through the official download page here.
Do you plan on using WhatsApp for the desktop?