Last year, WhatsApp introduced its instant messaging service to the web with WhatsApp Web.
Fifteen months later, the chat client – which has more than a billion users – has taken things a step further and launched native desktop apps for both Windows and Mac devices.
The Facebook-owned announced that its apps are now available for Windows 8 and above as well as Mac OS X 10.9 and above.
They are synced with the app on users’ mobile devices.
“Like WhatsApp Web, our desktop app is simply an extension of your phone: the app mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device,” the company said in a statement.
“The app lets you message with friends and family while your phone stays in your pocket.”
But for it to work, you need the mobile app running on your phone nearby while using your computer to send messages via WhatsApp.
Although there are advantages to using a native desktop app.
The statement adds: “Because the app runs natively on your desktop, you’ll have support for native desktop notifications, better keyboard shortcuts, and more.”
After installing the app, you’ll have to scan a QR code using the app on your mobile.
Once the QR code is recognised, you’ll be authenticated to use WhatsApp on the desktop.
WhatsApp’s desktop version is available to download here.