WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging service by Facebook, has now launched its first native macOS app with group calling support. This app is available in the App Store and can be used to make voice and video calls in groups of up to four people.
The long-awaited macOS app was first announced back in 2018, and has now finally been released after almost two years of development and testing. It is said that WhatsApp has taken an extra long time to get the macOS app up and running due to the use of different architecture compared to iOS and Android apps.
The macOS app works similarly to WhatsApp’s other platforms but comes with a few welcome features, such as the ability to resize and move the window while making calls and a resizable floating picture-in-picture (PiP) window. These are options that Android users will be familiar with. It also has a feature that allows users to add animated stickers to the chat window.
In addition, the app also has end-to-end encryption, which means that calls are secure and can’t be eavesdropped on. This is a big plus for users concerned about their privacy.
On the downside, the WhatsApp macOS app won’t support dark mode or screen sharing, which is a feature that’s available on the iOS and Android apps. It also won’t support notifications, which means users have to manually check the app for messages and calls.
Nevertheless, the release of a native macOS app by WhatsApp should be seen as a significant step forward. It shows that the company is committed to bringing its services to desktop users and that it is taking the platform seriously.
All in all, with its native macOS app, WhatsApp has taken a big step towards providing users with a more feature-filled and cohesive experience across all its platforms. It should also help to bring more users to the app, as it will be more accessible to macOS users who may not have been using it before.
