The messenger service WhatsApp, which belongs to Facebook has now released a desktop application (version 2.2114.9) so that the view and functionality already known from WhatsApp Web can also be used via a separate program. However, it should be noted that WhatsApp has consistently referred to the application as an app, but it is not a universal app.
The latter means that you still need a separate mobile app for Windows-based smartphones; the app that has now been released is a classic desktop application for Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 (as well as OS X).
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In a blog post, WhatsApp describes the application as an “extension of your phone”, the app “mirrors” chats and messages from the mobile device. This means that you have to have a smartphone with WhatsApp close at hand or nearby. Use without a mobile device or, to be more precise, a telephone number is not possible.
Like WhatsApp Web
Most WhatsApp users already know the principle from the messenger’s web interface. The login procedure is exactly the same as with WhatsApp Web: After the download, when the application is started for the first time, the user is asked to scan a QR code with the smartphone or the app settings entry for WhatsApp Web. This couples the phone with the application, but does not need to be scanned again afterward.
However, you have to leave the device connected to use it, as the actual communication takes place via the smartphone. This is especially important when sending pictures or other large files because it is advisable to make sure that you have activated WLAN and that you do not use the precious mobile data volume for this.
The functionality is basically the same as with the web interface, if you have already used WhatsApp in the browser, you will hardly be able to tell the difference.
