Advertisment

Why WhatsApp desktop app is no big deal

author-image
CIOL Writers
New Update
whtsapp

WhatsApp has finally launched a desktop application for free on Windows 8, Windows 10, and Apple OS X. But wait, it looks the same as WhatsApp Web, and does exactly what you've come to expect from its browser-based counterpart.

Advertisment

In an official statement, WhatsApp announced the app, writing, "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.You can download the app from the WhatsApp website. Then you just open the app on your PC and scan the QR code using the WhatsApp app on your phone.”

In fact, the company goes on to state the obvious adding, ”Like WhatsApp Web, our desktop app is simply an extension of your phone: the app mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device.” Hence, the idea seems a bit preposterous, to have a desktop app that won’t work if you don’t have it on your phone. Which means you still need to have your phone around to log onto the desktop app.

In terms of interface, Facebook Messenger has a much better Web interface and even a native Windows 10 app. 

Advertisment

For what's it worth, here are a few shortcuts that will help you swiftly walk through it -

  • On Windows, you can archive a chat by pressing Ctrl + E, mute it with Ctrl + Shift + M,
  • Change the read status of message with Ctrl + Shift + U and delete it with Ctrl + Backspace
  • Press Ctrl + F and you'll be taken directly to the search bar,
  • Start a new chat with Ctrl + N and Ctrl + Shift + N help in starting a new chat or group respectively.

On Mac, the shortcuts remain the same except you'll need to replace Ctrl with the Command key.

However, what will be best is if WhatsApp could bring voice calls to its new desktop client, and make it independent of your mobile device. However, looks like we will have to make do with WhatsApp for the desktop, for now.