whatsapp电脑版 is one of the most popular messaging apps with over a billion active users each month. Now, the popular app is available for computers, as well, with a computer version that can be downloaded and used without a smartphone.
While the app was initially built for users of big tech companies like Apple and Google's Android operating systems, it has recently gained popularity among Windows, Linux, and macOS users as well. Let's take a look at why, what is new with the computer version of WhatsApp, and how you can use it.
A Fast, Simple App to Send and Receive Messages
If you're reading this, I assume you're either a WhatsApp user yourself or someone who knows one. In either case, you'll know exactly what I'm about to discuss next: the simplicity and speed of the app.
While it might not be surprising that a messaging app would be easy to use, the fact that WhatsApp is so popular and has managed to stay so simple makes it a bit special. If you've ever used WhatsApp on a smartphone, you'll find it a snap to get a computer version running too. The mobile app's interface is, in fact, highly reminiscent of classic text messaging. If you've ever sent or received a text message on your phone, you'll have no trouble getting the hang of using the computer version.
Secure And Private
Let's face it: no matter how good your intentions may be, the minute you hand your phone to another person, that person now has access to all of your personal data. Even if they don't take any advantage of that right away, they could at some point in the future. With that in mind, it's not hard to see why many users prefer keeping their personal details private when using a messaging app, especially one as popular as WhatsApp.
The developers of the app did a great job of incorporating security measures into the product itself. When you first launch the app, you'll be asked to verify your identity. After you do, the app will ask you to set a pin code to further secure your device. The moment you enter the code, you'll be given a set of security options to choose from. You can choose to either log in with Google, Facebook, or both. If you have a password-protected Dropbox account, you can use that to log in as well (and if you don't, you can always choose to use a free account).
Cross-Platform
Since the desktop version of WhatsApp is now available, you'll be able to use it on multiple platforms. That means you can install the app onto your Windows, macOS, or Linux computer and use it without needing to have a phone nearby. If you've used other cross-platform desktop apps like Email or Google Docs, you'll know what comes with this particular feature. The ability to use the app without needing a smartphone is great because it makes the service much more accessible to people who don't have ready access to a computer yet.
Comprehensive Privacy Settings
There are several privacy settings in the desktop version of WhatsApp that you can control. You can limit the amount of information the app collects about you by adjusting your device's general settings. For example, under the Notification section of the Settings app on Android, you can choose to receive text messages only when the app is open or closed. In addition, you can prevent certain types of content from being displayed when your phone receives a text message with a link in it. To avoid certain content being displayed when you receive a WhatsApp message, you need to go into your device's privacy settings and disable "Web Content" and "Auto-play videos in messages." To learn more, follow the instructions in the WhatsApp Help section of the app.
Cross-device Sync
Another handy feature available in the desktop version of WhatsApp is cross-device sync. With this feature, you can send messages and make calls using your computer's internet connection, whether it's WiFi or ethernet. When you launch the app on a computer, you'll be asked to sign in with your email, as usual. However, after you do, you'll be given the option to either create a new account or continue using the one you already have. If you decide to switch account, you'll be asked to input the username and password you used to sign in on your phone. Once you do, you'll be able to use the app on any device signed into the account you created. This feature is useful if you need to use WhatsApp on a computer but don't have a smartphone to hand. It would also be helpful if you have a lot of devices you need to keep in touch with (like if you're the parent of a few children or share an office with a friend). Sending messages and calling people using your computer's internet connection is super convenient because it means you can do it anywhere. If you've used other cross-platform desktop apps like Microsoft Outlook or Apple iMessage, you'll know what comes with this particular feature.
Offline Availability
You might not always have a WiFi connection available when you need it. If you do, however, have a good connection, it's always useful to know you can use the app even when you don't have a network signup. That way, you can use the service even when you're in places where you don't have data coverage (like on a plane). If you decide that the convenience of sending and receiving messages without a network outweighs the privacy concerns, you can enable offline messaging in the desktop version of WhatsApp. Just go into Settings on your device and make sure that the app's toggle next to Offline Messaging is turned on. When you do, you'll be given the option to either use the internet to sync your messages or manually save them to your device. Even when you have an internet connection, you can still manually save files to your device so you don't run out of storage space. The fact that the app can operate without an internet connection is great, because it means that even when you do have WiFi, the app can still work for you. Some users have also reported that their phone's battery lasts longer when the app is not constantly looking for WiFi networks to connect to and conserve battery life. For more tips on how to use WhatsApp without using up lots of battery, check out this post by Blue Jaysays.
Custom Avatars
One of the things I love about the desktop version of WhatsApp is the ability to personalize the app by using a custom avatar. You can take a photo of yourself and have it as your avatar, or you can choose from a selection of photos available in your device's camera. After you make your selection, the app will give you the option to add a title and a brief message that will be displayed next to your avatar. When you send a message with your custom avatar, others will be able to see your photo in the conversation. If you want to keep your photo private, you can do so by changing your device's general settings under Privacy to either Limit On Device Use or Only Allow Users To View On Device. If you decide that having your photo display is a convenience you're willing to provide, you can always enable the option under the Notifications tab of the Settings app on your Android phone. The developers of the app also provide a couple of interesting options under the Settings menu of the app. You can change the color of your status bar and choose to have the app hide or show the address and profile information of people you're sending messages to. Since this option requires you to have access to a Facebook account when you're using the app, be sure you know what you're doing before you enable it.
Reduced Motion Lag
One of the things that can sometimes make or break a video game is the motion quality. If the action appears clean and fluent, the gameplay will usually feel great. If there's any sort of stutter or jerkiness to the action, it can make trying to play the game more difficult. Since the developers of the desktop version of WhatsApp put a great deal of care into making the gameplay feel as smooth as possible, you might notice a huge difference compared to other apps and games where the action can sometimes feel tacked on.