A few weeks ago, we told you that WhatsApp was planning to release native desktop apps for Windows and Mac users. This is in addition to the Web client the company announced a while back. The web client is not a standalone platform and that is why the native apps for Windows and Mac users make sense for the company.
If you have been waiting for these app, you may be happy to know that they are finally here. WhatsApp has announced this through its official blog saying, “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 went ahead to say its desktop apps are an extension of your phone just like what WhatsApp for web offers. This means that you will be able to enjoy the same experience that you are currently enjoying if you are using the company’s web client.
Even though this is a standalone app, you still need to have it connected to your phone and this means that it mirrors what is on your phone at all times. So, it basically works like the current web client but it is an app that you can download and this offers you a few extra features on top of that. This means that you phone has to be connected to the internet and you need to have it within range. This is all good but I think it beats logic, I would have preferred it to be independent and not require me to have my phone around all the time. It should require me to connect the app on the phone to the desktop app only once and have the connection remain active for let’s say an hour or two without requiring me to have my phone connected and within range at all times.
The good thing about this app is that it brings with it notifications that will pop up when you get a new message.
How to get this app
If you are interested in this app, head over to https://www.whatsapp.com/download and download it there. Keep in mind that it is compatible with Windows 8 and above and Mac OS 10.9 and up.
With the app downloaded and installed, open it and also open the app on your phone. Make sure the app on your phone is connected to the internet and click on the menu section which is represented by the three bots on the top left corner. When there, tap on the ‘WhatsApp Web’ option. It will ask you to scan the QR code that will be displayed on the WhatsApp desktop app. Scan the QR code and you are good to go.
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