WhatsApp: Windows and Mac OS X to get desktop versions of the messenger app

Popular messaging app WhatsApp has introduced a desktop app for both Windows OS and MAC OS X users. The app is similar to WhatsApp web, especially the UI, but bringing it on these two platforms now makes the messenger available for all major desktop and mobile platforms.

Announcing the launch of the Windows and Mac OS X, the company posted screenshots and a statement for users saying: "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."

The desktop app is only available for PCs and notebooks that have versions of Windows 8 and above. As for Mac, it is only available for those having OS X 10.9 and above. The company also states that as the app runs natively on your desktop, it will have support for native desktop notifications, keyboard shortcuts, etc.

The possibility of the launch of such a desktop app was tipped a couple of days back when a Twitter tipster had posted a tweet with screenshots of the desktop app versions.

The announcement also comes at a time when reports strongly indicate that WhatsApp's next big feature is set to be video calling with many saying it could very well roll out in the next WhatsApp update. With both WhatsApp and web and WhatsApp for desktop being available now it will only enhance the video calling experience for users.

The Facebook-owned instant messenger is also leaping ahead in garnering more and more users much beyond its existing one billion to take on rivals such as Apple's iMessage. The biggest disadvantage for a service like iMessage is that it is only open to Mac and iOS device users and absent on Windows PCs and Android phones. Facebook Messenger, on the other hand, is still devoid of an official OS X app.