WhatsApp has arrived for OS X.
The popular messaging app now has a desktop Mac version of the client, the launch coming a few months after the Facebook-owned service launched a web interface and a month after it rolled out end-to-end encryption for all communication.
Much like the web client, the WhatsApp Mac application relies heavily on the mobile version of the communication platform. WhatsApp keeps all conversations synced across all of your devices. Additionally, because the app is native on OS X, it supports desktop notifications, keyboard shortcuts, and more.
WhatsApp has grown of late, with Facebook, which owns it, stating that the service has reached more than one billion active users. Last month, WhatsApp announced that all messages, photos, phone calls, and videos sent over its platform would be encrypted end-to-end. With over 1 billion users, support for truly private conversations is a huge selling point for the service. WhatsApp founder Brian Acton argued at the time that “building secure products actually makes for a safer world.”
While OS X’s iMessage client supports text message forwarding for communicating with non-iMessage users, the ability to use one central service with end-to-end encryption for communication is tempting for many.
WhatsApp for OS X and Windows is available now from the company’s website. Once you’ve downloaded the client on your desktop, open the app on your smartphone and scan the QR code to sync all of your information between devices.
WhatsApp for OS X is available for free requires OS X 10.9 or later to install and run.
If you’ve tried WhatsApp for OS X and have any feedback to offer, please let us know in the comments.
One reply on “WhatsApp arrives for OS X”
All fine and dandy, WhatsApp on Ios/ MacOs but the privacy policy gives me the creeps- why do they need to collect data from my address book? No No and NO.