WhatsApp releases new desktop app for Windows, Mac

WhatsApp has introduced new desktop applications that users of Windows and Mac can download to send messages, receive notifications and basically anything that users using the app on the mobile devices can do.

However, you need to still have your mobile phone in the vicinity for the desktop apps to work as the desktop apps like the WhatsApp web will only work as an extension of your smartphone.

“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,” a blog posy by WhatsApp said.

The new feature adds an additional functionality to desktop users who want to work independently from the browser and also receive live notifications. WhatsApp also has a chrome extension that can be used on any operating system.

The new desktop app is available for Windows 8+ and Mac OS 10.9+ and is synced with WhatsApp on the mobile device.

“Because the app runs natively on your desktop, you'll have support for native desktop notifications, better keyboard shortcuts, and more,” the company said.

WhatsApp recently introduced new features where users can even review their audio messages before they can send it to recipients.

Earlier you were only allowed to enter a chat and record an audio and the message would be automatically sent to the other party or group. However, the new feature lets you record an audio message and ads a separate send button, providing the user an option to terminate the action. The company recently introduced end-to-end encryption to all its users.