WhatsApp has just released desktop apps for Windows and OS X.
The Facebook-owned messaging company had already launched a web-based service in January 2015, but now it’s made dedicated desktop software available.
Just like WhatsApp Web, the desktop apps effectively mirror what’s on your mobile WhatsApp account in terms of conversations and messages, and you’ll need your phone to be close by in order to use it. Because these desktop apps are running natively, however, you’ll also be able to get desktop notifications and more extensive keyboard shortcuts.
WhatsApp’s desktop apps are available now for machines running Windows 8 and above, and Mac’s running OS X 10.9 Mavericks and higher.
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Just like the web version, the setup process is pretty nifty. You download the app as normal, but upon first opening it you’ll be provided with a QR code. Scan it in through your phone’s own WhatsApp app (look for WhatsApp Web in settings), and all of your conversations and contacts will be sync in an instant. There’s no fiddly code entry required.
With more than a billion users of its mobile app, WhatsApp has the potential to be hugely popular on desktop.
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Head on over to the WhatsApp web page now to download the new desktop app.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
