It’s the go-to messaging app for millions of people around the world. 

And now there’s good news if you’re a WhatsApp fan who also uses a Mac. 

WhatsApp has launched a new app for Mac, following the successful launch of the WhatsApp app for Windows desktop earlier this year. 

Unlike WhatsApp for desktop, the dedicated app allows you to make calls – both one-on-one and in groups. 

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, explained: ‘Launching a new WhatsApp app for Mac. Group calls up to 8 people on video and 32 on audio.’

WhatsApp has launched a new app for Mac, following the successful launch of the WhatsApp app for Windows desktop earlier this year

WhatsApp has launched a new app for Mac, following the successful launch of the WhatsApp app for Windows desktop earlier this year

WhatsApp has launched a new app for Mac, following the successful launch of the WhatsApp app for Windows desktop earlier this year

Unlike WhatsApp for desktop, the dedicated app allows you to make calls - both one-on-one and in groups

Unlike WhatsApp for desktop, the dedicated app allows you to make calls - both one-on-one and in groups

Unlike WhatsApp for desktop, the dedicated app allows you to make calls – both one-on-one and in groups

The new app has been specially designed with Mac users in mind, according to WhatsApp. 

‘The app is redesigned to be familiar to Mac users, helping you get more done faster when using WhatsApp on a large screen,’ it explained. 

‘You can now share files by easily dragging and dropping into a chat, and can view more of your chat history.’

Users can make group calls from their Macs for the first time, connecting with up to eight people on video calls, and 32 on audio calls.   

‘Now you can join a group call after it’s started, see your call history and choose to receive incoming call notifications even when the app is closed,’ WhatsApp added. 

Thankfully, the new app has been designed with privacy in mind, and features end-to-end encryption, just like the mobile app. 

‘End-to-end encryption ensures only you and the person you’re communicating with can read or listen to what is sent, and nobody in between, not even WhatsApp,’ WhatsApp explained. 

You can download the new WhatsApp for Mac app now from WhatsApp.com, and directly from the App Store soon. 

The new app comes shortly after WhatsApp announced that you can now send photos in HD quality

WhatsApp says the new feature is suited ‘for special moments that you want friends and family to enjoy in every little detail’.

To try it yourself, simply open the WhatsApp app and tap on the conversation you’d like to send an HD photo in. 

Tap the ‘+’ symbol at the bottom left of the screen, then Photo & Video Library. 

Select which photo you’d like to share, and you should now see a new HD option at the top of the screen. 

Tap on this, then tap the blue arrow icon at the bottom right of your screen and the photo will send in HD. 

BEST WHATSAPP ALTERNATIVES

If you’re considering deleting WhatsApp, you’ll be happy to hear that there are several alternative apps to choose from:

1. Telegram

With more than 400 million users, Telegram is one of the most popular WhatsApp alternatives. 

While it looks very similar to WhatsApp, what sets it apart is the fact that it gives the option to set messages to self-destruct after a given period of time, leaving no trace. 

Telegram also offers end-to-end encryption.

However, as a WhatsApp spokesperson pointed out, Telegram ‘does not offer end-to-end encryption by default so it’s not necessarily more secure than WhatsApp’.

2. Signal 

Signal is one of the most secure messaging apps, thanks to the fact that it is open-source. 

This means that the code for the app is publicly available to view, making it near-impossible for the app’s creators to sneak in any backdoors that could allow governments or hackers to spy on your messages.

3. iMessage

If you use an iPhone, you may consider simply switching to iMessage, Apple’s own messaging app. 

The app has a number of impressive features included no character limits, the ability to send pictures and videos, and of course Apple’s animated emoji feature, Animoji.

Unfortunately, iMessage is only available for iPhone users, so you’ll struggle to interact with anyone using an Android. 

4. Google Messages

Google’s answer to iMessage is Google Messages, an Android-only messaging service. 

The app replaces your standard SMS app, and integrates with all of Google’s apps and services, making it easy to share images or use Google Assistant. 

5. Facebook Messenger

If you were put off using WhatsApp due to its sharing of data with Facebook, Facebook Messenger may not be the best option for you.

However, the app offers a number of helpful features, including games, secret conversations and video calls. 

This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk

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