After several weeks of speculation, WhatsApp has confirmed a desktop application in the Windows Store that will support Windows 8 and over.
You may remember last week a story about WhatsApp preparing a desktop app version of its service that would work beyond the functionality of WhatsApp for Web. The company has now announced that application, making it available for all PCs running Windows 8 and newer (Windows 8.1 and Windows 10).
We wondered last week how the desktop app would work and whether it would allow people to directly join the service within in the app, forgoing the current method of using a mobile number. Actually, the app is merely an extension of sorts of an account you would have on your cellular device, allowing you to continue and handle conversations from that account on the PC.
“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.”
Still, it is a welcome addition to the WhatsApp family as it potentially makes the service more appealing to enterprise as well as consumers. The company has also added the ability to use keyboard shortcuts within the app, while notifications on desktop are also supported.
As well as rolling out for Windows 8 and over machines, the WhatsApp Desktop application will also be making its way to Mac OS 10.9 and over. Again, to use this app you will need to sync it with your mobile account, so if you are looking for a bespoke WhatsApp desktop account you will be left waiting.
