WhatsApp has stepped up the development of its desktop application and released a complete overhaul. These are the differences between the desktop and web versions.
WhatsApp can not only be used on mobile phones. (Source: Netzwelt)
- Until now, WhatsApp Desktop was just WhatsApp Web packaged into a desktop app.
- That is about to change: WhatsApp has released a native Windows application for WhatsApp Desktop for the first time.
- The differences remain the same for the first time, while the stability and integrity of the app are to be improved.
Anyone who did not want to access WhatsApp with a smartphone previously had the option of accessing the messenger service via WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop. This is not supposed to change, but the desktop application, which was previously just a web version that has become an app, has received a complete overhaul.
Because the application is now being developed as a native Windows app. This means: It is no longer a browser front. That should bring some improvements. You can find out what these are and what differences remain between WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop in our overview.
WhatsApp Web vs. WhatsApp Desktop: Fundamental technical innovation
WhatsApp explained in one blog postwhat’s new in WhatsApp Desktop. Accordingly, WhatsApp Desktop, which was previously just a desktop version of their web-based WhatsApp web app, will no longer be technically identical to the browser application.
Because WhatsApp Desktop is now developed natively for Windows and Mac. This means that the app no longer just accesses WhatsApp Web, but is now a standalone and fully functional desktop application.
Benefits of the new desktop app
This is good news for Windows and Mac users. In the same blog post, the developers of the messenger service explained the advantages of developing a native desktop application for the two operating systems. A native app offers advantages, especially in terms of the stability and technical integrity of the app.
It runs better on end systems since this app can now be customized and developed exactly to the operating system it is used on. In addition, the function already available in WhatsApp Web, which allows messages to be received and sent even when the smartphone is offline, should now also be available in WhatsApp Desktop.
Features and structure remain (still) the same
As far as the functions and features of the two versions of WhatsApp are concerned, the two applications are still completely similar. Even with the old desktop application, there were no differences to the web counterpart. And it stays that way for the time being – shows an already released WhatsApp desktop version, which is already available in the Microsoft Store. However, the Mac version is still being tested.
Download whatsapp desktop*
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The structure and design of the two apps also remain the same. Of course, it cannot be ruled out that WhatsApp will add new features to the desktop application in future development that are not present in WhatsApp Web. However, this is not currently the case, users only benefit from the stability advantages mentioned above.
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