WhatsApp For Desktop: New Client Launches For Macs And PCs [VIDEO]

In the firm's latest attempt to achieve more ground on the market, popular messaging service WhatsApp announced on Tuesday that a full-fledged native desktop app is now available for Mac and PC users. This means that WhatsApp fans could now seamlessly move from their smartphones to their laptops or PCs without losing a stride in their conversations.

Though WhatsApp has already launched a browser-based app before, the firm stated that the new desktop client promises users a far better experience, with desktop notifications, optimized keyboard shortcuts and the like.

Since being acquired by social media giant Facebook back in 2014 for a pretty hefty $22 billion, WhatsApp has continued to thrive. Indeed, among the plethora of available messaging apps in the vast expanse of the Internet, WhatsApp has remained a force to be reckoned with.

Users of WhatsApp could easily install the desktop version of the messaging app to their PCs and Macs. After installing the desktop client to their computers, users would simply need to scan a QR code using the WhatsApp app on their selected mobile device. What's particularly interesting is that the rollout for the desktop version supports WhatsApp across all platforms, including the aging Blackberry OS 10 and Nokia's long-dead Symbian OS.

Once the QR code is recognized, the desktop app would automatically set up the app, syncing contacts, messages, as well as a number of settings that were preferred in a user's mobile device.

Just like its previous WhatsApp web app, WhatsApp for desktop has a few notable nifty features, such as a vast range of emojis, the ability to send files during a conversation and even voice dictation.

As much as WhatsApp's desktop application is interesting, however, its competitors have already begun to bridge the gap between mobile and PC/Mac users. Even its parent company's messaging service, Facebook Messenger, has already started to integrate and synchronize the use of its servicers for both mobile and non-mobile users.

With more than 1 billion active users, WhatsApp continues to be a juggernaut in the mobile messaging market. With the addition of a dedicated desktop app, its influence and power might very well be augmented once more.