Users of the WhatsApp messenger app can now make use of a dedicated software for PC and Mac to send and receive messages. Both the interfance and the range of functions are similar to the WhatsApp browser service, which has been around since August 2015.
One of the main advantages in the latest programme, however, is the support for keyboard shortcuts and native desktop notifications.
After installing the programme for Mac OS X version 10.9 and above, or Windows 8 and higher, a QR code needs to be scanned from the computer screen in order to connect the smartphone with the app.
This option can be found in the app's settings under "WhatsApp Web."
Any WhatsApp users who don't want to constantly reach for their phone but also don't want to clutter their computer can still use the simpler web version of the service.
Desktop functionality for users of older operating systems like Windows 7 and older Mac OS X version will, for now, also be limited the web app, which can be accessed at web.whatsapp.com on most modern browsers.
Both the desktop and web app don't access the WhatsApp account itself, but instead mirror the smartphone's chat record.
This unfortunately means the smartphone needs to be on and connected to the internet for desktop messaging to work.
For this reason, if your plan only includes a limited data volume each month, it may be a better idea to connect to a WLAN network because date volumes can increase when you're using WhatsApp's desktop app.