WhatsApp Latest Update: Messenger App May Have a Desktop Version Soon
Facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp has been under media spotlight lately. Rumors have been swirling across techland about a speculated desktop client version of the ridiculously popular messaging platform that may even threaten to eclipse Facebook Messenger.
If rumors prove accurate, a native desktop client specifically tailored for both Windows and Mac operating systems may be in the works right now as the messaging service is in a bid to expand the reach of its customer base beyond the confines of mobile devices.
Recently, images tweeted by WABetaInfo have been making rounds online fueling speculations of a project leak although as of this writing, the company is yet to confirm the rumors. The images seem to suggest a documentation of various translations for WhatsApp coding. The uploaded photos also look like a purported confirmation of numerous clients being developed for the alleged desktop version.
Of course, WhatsApp further inroad into the wide PC market could mean a lot of game-changing potentials especially for voice, chat, and video calls. But is there need for a WhatsApp native desktop app?
"Admittedly, a full desktop client would introduce the potential for voice or video calls, which fits with other recent suggestions of the impending launch of a voicemail service. Beyond that, as things stand right now, having a desktop client would simply remove the need to keep a browser open or to scan the WhatsApp Web QR code to connect your account to your browser," wrote Ben Woods of The Next Web.
So far, it's quite hazy to speculate how such a move by WhatsApp would fit in Facebook's larger and long-term business plans. The social networking giant has also invested quite a lot of resources in reinventing the Messenger to become not just a personal messaging app but a communication platform for businesses well.
Although it would be quite clear that if such plan would proceed, the desktop client would surely try to carve out a market share long dominated by Microsoft-owned Skype, Slack, and even Facebook's very own Messenger.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp users in Brazil will be blocked access from the country's most popular messaging service following a government-initiated shutdown following an infamous court order, Slash Gear reported.
Brazilian law enforcement authorities have repeatedly asked WhatsApp to give criminal investigators access to encrypted customer data to aid in investigations. Just like Apple's unyielding position to FBI's request, WhatsApp just simply said that they just can't.
