WhatsApp is perhaps something that many will find familiar for mobile phone use but now the same app can be used using desktops. This was after the Facebook-owned company announced that a web version of the popular app is now available, meaning that users can chat from their phone and/or desktop simultaneously.
The thing is that the WhatsApp for desktops will only work with Google Chrome browsers. Users will have to find the QR code and scan it with the mobile version to user the said service.
The web client is actually an extension of the mobile version wherein one account can be used using the two devices. Messages will however be saved on the phone with the app.
Aside from the app working only with Google Chrome, there are some other things that should be noted. One is that phone needs to have access to the Internet for the desktop version to work. Should the phone lose its data connection, all the chat services will get cut off.
While app messaging stands to be made easier with the release of the desktop version, it seems that there are more good things to look forward to.
Free calls could soon be available on WhatsApp, possibly giving Viber and Skype a run for their money. This rumor was spotted over at Ubergizmo which bared that a certain Reddit user was able to spot a folder called "WhatsApp" Calls, which could mean that free calls could be over the horizon.
While the release of the web version is welcome news, the company stressed that it continues to focus on the mobile front. The purpose of unveiling a web version was really mean to provide users more flexibility when it comes to checking their phones and maybe for some who have a hard time keying in their messages via mobile handsets (think big fingers).
WhatsApp currently has over 700 million users. The service is offered for free for the first 12 months after which an annual service charge of $0.99 applies.
