WhatsApp Desktop app: Know new features and how to download - WhatsApp just launched beta program

WhatsApp for Desktop app is now open for beta testing. WhatsApp has allowed users to download the new features. Here’s how to start testing the latest beta version of the WhatsApp for Desktop app.

For WhatsApp Desktop app, WhatsApp beta program has just been launched; you can download right away (REUTERS)

WhatsApp is facing stiff competition from tough rivals like Telegram, Signal and others. In fact, that is not all, even some unofficial apps like WhatsApp Plus and GB WhatsApp and others, which are replicas of WhatsApp with added features, are proving to be a big headache for WhatsApp. This has left WhatsApp scrambling to ensure its users do not migrate to others. One way of doing that is to provide more and better features than are currently available on WhatsApp. So, even though WhatsApp is widely considered as the most widely used encrypted messenger service today, it has its problems. However, for the users, it is a win-win situation as the Facebook-owned company has been adding new features, not only to its mobile apps, but also useful features like the upcoming multi-device support and editing features for WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp for Desktop. Now, WhatsApp has reportedly launched a public beta program for WhatsApp Desktop app. One of the reasons the service is able to add features so quickly is by enlisting the support of beta testers on both iOS and Android and this is what it has done again just now and you can join the party too!

One of the most important features coming to WhatsApp is the multi-device support, something which rivals have offered for years – it is one of the service's most widely requested features. WhatsApp recently began rolling out initial support for using WhatsApp on multiple devices. This is something users can test on both iOS and Android, as long as you are on the beta version of the app.

WABetaInfo showed off the latest feature being tested on the WhatsApp for Desktop app — the ability to hear voice notes before they are sent, along with Waveform audio design. (WABetaInfo)

WABetaInfo showed off the latest feature being tested on the WhatsApp for Desktop app — the ability to hear voice notes before they are sent, along with Waveform audio design. (WABetaInfo)

New WhatsApp for Desktop features being tested on latest beta

Now, popular feature leaker WABetaInfo reports that users can also start testing a beta version of WhatsApp for Desktop, which will allow users to try out new features before they roll out to all the other users on the regular WhatApp release. While the beta version of WhatsApp for Desktop is already available for download, the company is already testing a very useful feature on beta version 2.2133.1 of WhatsApp for Desktop.

For users who are considering installing the latest beta version of the app, the company is now testing support for listening to a voice note that you recorded before you send it to someone, a feature that is also being worked on for iOS and Android. Users will also gain access to the new waveform design for voice notes that will look familiar to beta testers on the mobile apps.

How to sign up for the WhatsApp for Desktop Beta

Signing up for the WhatsApp for Desktop beta is easier than doing so on Android and iOS. You simply have to click this link to download the beta version of WhatsApp Desktop for Windows (macOS users can click this link instead) and it should download the latest beta version. WABetaInfo states that once you have installed the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Desktop, you don't need to keep downloading the latest version to stay up to date, as you will receive all future beta updates automatically.