Facebook-owned messaging service WhatsApp has introduced desktop apps for Windows and Mac users.
In a blog post, the company says the desktop app is a new way for users to stay in touch anytime and anywhere ? whether they are using a phone or computer, at home or at work.
"Like WhatsApp Web, our desktop app is simply an extension of your phone: the app mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device."
The app is available for Windows 8+ and Mac OS 10.9+ and is synced with WhatsApp on the mobile device. This means the phone running WhatsApp will have to be near the computer for the app to work.
When opening the desktop app, a warning message appears: "Keep your phone connected. WhatsApp Web connects to your phone to sync messages. To reduce data usage, connect your phone to WiFi."
The benefits of having a desktop messaging service app include support for native desktop notifications, keyboard shortcuts and faster typing.
To download the app, visit https://www.whatsapp.com/download from any desktop browser.
Users then need to scan the on-screen QR code with their mobile device through the "WhatsApp Web" portal, accessible in the app settings.
Just like WhatsApp Web, the new desktop app lets users message with friends and family while their phone stays in their pocket.
WhatsApp launched a Web browser-based app early last year. The new desktop app can be independently launched without having to open a Web browser first.
Last month, the service announced it would encrypt all communication within the app by default. This end-to-end encryption will extend to the desktop apps.
There are over a billion WhatsApp users worldwide and 10 million users in SA, according to the SA Social Media Landscape 2015 report.
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