WhatsApp for Desktop Releases Public Beta version

WhatsApp is releasing a public beta version of its desktop application. Users of macOS and Windows can now participate in the program and try out all the app's new features.

As per WABetaInfo, the public beta is a method for WhatsApp to enhance multi-device functionality while also allowing more people to provide input to the app's developers.

When people sign up for the program, they will become official beta testers and will automatically acquire all beta updates. For public users, the most recent version is 2.2133.1 at the moment.

Recording voice messages has changed in this release, according to WABetaInfo,. Not only can users view waveforms when recording a voice message, but they can also pause and listen to the audio prior to actually sending it. According to the website, this feature is also being developed for WhatsApp for iOS.

Beta testers can report bugs in "WhatsApp Desktop Settings," "Contact Us," and include a screenshot to help the team figure out what's going on.

Aside from that, WhatsApp is preparing to release an iPad version. Users will be able to stay connected to WhatsApp even if they don't have their phones with them or if their smartphones' batteries run out.

This feature, as per a WhatsApp spokeswoman in an interview with TechRadar, will allow users to use WhatsApp “without the need to have your phone connected:”

“Multi-device means that users will have the same functionality that is available on the current public versions of WhatsApp Web, Desktop and Portal, just without the need to have your phone connected. Our multi-device capability immediately makes the experience better for people who use Desktop/Web and Portal. And it also will make it possible to add support for more kinds of devices over time.“

If you're interested in becoming a public beta tester, you can download the beta version of WhatsApp for desktop here.