Released in 2009 by former Yahoo employees Brian Acton and Jan Koum, WhatsApp is an instant messaging platform primarily used on smartphones, but it is now making its way to PCs worldwide. On WhatsApp, you can chat individually or engage in group chats. During these chat sessions, users can exchange text, images, and video (as long as it does not exceed 16 MB), and they have even recently started integrating voice-calling technology. It is an excellent way for individuals to communicate as they wish freely, and with their newly updated privacy settings, you can have more control over your messaging sessions.
If you cannot access your smartphone and still want to utilize WhatsApp’s services, you are in luck! There are many ways to use desktop and browser versions of WhatsApp for PC. WhatsApp offers the same interface no matter where you are accessing the application form or operating system, so you can quickly adapt to using the application on your PC versus your smartphone.
Accessing A PC WhatsApp’s Interface Through Your Web Browser
Did you know that you do not even have to necessarily install the WhatsApp Status software on your PC to enjoy the same experience? If you are an avid user of Google Chrome, you can easily access WhatsApp through your web browser instead of taking up space to install it. By going to http://web.whatsapp.com on Google Chrome, you can enter the browser version of the application so that you can chat with your friends on your PC without installing any additional software. This is super convenient for those who may be on a public computer and cannot follow through with the installation process.
Although it is more convenient not to download another software package onto your PC, one significant disadvantage should be noted. One of the main flaws in the browser version of the application is that you cannot add your contacts in bulk by syncing them, thus resulting in you having to manually add each touch individually, which can take up a lot of time. All-in-all, it is a good option for those not in a position where they want to take up memory with an added installation but to get the full features, you may want to stick with the installation method(s).
Scanning QR Codes to Access Browser Version
Another option is using WhatsApp’s web interface, but this method is even easier. If you open the WhatsApp application on your smartphone, look at the top right-hand corner. Navigate to the text that reads “WhatsApp Web” and click it. A QR code will appear on your smartphone’s screen, and you are going to want to either scan it into Google Chrome or you can go to a website specifically catering to QR codes, such as http://webqr.com. If you’re going to check it directly into the browser without a mirror site, you will still have to do it through Google Chrome versus other popular browsers.
Installation Of Whatsapp Through Simulated Android Software (BlueStacks) on PC
Did you know that if you access BlueStack’s website at http://bluestacks.com, you can download a version of their software that enables you to access the apps you have on your smartphone through their high-tech syncing system? The software is available for all of the latest Windows and Mac operating systems, and it is a great way to access all of your applications, not just WhatsApp, through your PC.
Once you locate the version compatible with your operating system and finish the installation process, a screen will appear when you open the software. This will be a sign-in screen for you to log in to your Google Plus account. The cool part about this process is that once you have the software open, all of the applications you have on your smartphone will come up on your PC’s screen. You can access all of these applications as you wish, and viewing them on your PC will give them a new feel. Locate your WhatsApp application, and open it. You should be able to go about chatting and communicating like you usually do on your smartphone, now on your PC. Another plus-side to this method is that even if you do not already have WhatsApp installed on your smartphone, you can install it through your Google Play account via BlueStack’s simulated interface. The only downfall to this is if you do not have an account set up, you will still need to have your smartphone nearby to use their SMS verification system via your mobile device. However, once that is complete, you are set to primarily use your PC to use all of WhatsApp’s features.
Downloading WhatsApp for PC Through Mirror Downloading Sites
Many websites specializing in downloadable software may host unofficial versions of the WhatsApp application on a PC. It is essential to be aware that the existing WhatsApp software does not distribute these programs, so it is necessary to ensure that you download a secure offshoot version from whichever mirror site you choose. Though these may not be an exact version of the software, they do a good job replicating and syncing certain features, so it still may be a viable choice, depending on how much you trust other download sites.
WhatsApp is an excellent way for individuals worldwide to keep in touch with friends and family. They are praised for their group-chat features that enable users to create chatrooms with a group of specified friends to converse and share various media files. With it being available to the US and international customers alike, it is becoming increasingly popular and more versatile in what it has to offer. Not only are they adding new features with each software upgrade, but they are also integrating so many new privacy features that users are always sure to feel protected and in control of what and how they share their updates and information with other users.
