WhatsApp launches desktop companion app

WhatsApp has introduced a desktop version of its smartphone application, which allows users to access and send messages to other users.

The desktop version of the app will provide notifications and improved keyboard shortcuts and functionality, as well as being fully synced with the user’s smartphone to keep up with ongoing message chains. The Facebook-owned OTT communications app currently boasts more than 1 billion monthly users, and the native desktop app looks like another attempt to create stickiness among a strong user base in a crowded market place. The desktop application will be available on computers running Windows 8 or Mac OS 10.9 or newer.

Facebook itself appears to be on a bit of a mission to capture the biggest share of text messaging users possible, after earlier this year launching a desktop version of its Messenger app, which boasts more than 800 million monthly users. It also recently built a B2C customer experience feature into Messenger, “Business on Messenger”, so customers can liaise directly with companies.

Along with the Business on Messenger feature, Facebook has also integrated mobile money services, voice and video calling into the app over the past 12 months, suggesting an ambitious move to making its OTT comms apps about more than rudimentary forms of communication.

With WhatsApp responsible for a significant and loyal user-base, coupled with Facebook’s growing network infrastructure connectivity ambitions, it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility to suggest the blue-thumbed digital friendship platform is positioning its tanks to launch an assault on the wireless market in the future.