WhatsApp launches Mac app with video calls for 8 people
WhatsApp, the messaging app owned by Facebook parent company Meta, has just launched an app for Mac computers.
In a continuing attempt to compete with business video calling giant Zoom, the WhatsApp Mac app includes group audio and video calls for multiple people.
“New WhatsApp app for Mac launched. Group calls up to 8 people on video and 32 on audio,” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg posted on his Instagram channel on Tuesday morning.
WhatsApp had already launched a desktop application for Windows. Both desktop apps include end-to-end encryption of your calls and chats on your devices.
How to Download WhatsApp for Mac
The app will soon be available on Apple’s App Store, but for now, here’s how to download it on your Mac:
- Go to the WhatsApp website.
- hit the green download button in the upper right corner.
- There will be three download options: Android, iOS, and Mac. Hit it download button on Mac.
- The download will start. Once done, click on the file.
- Drag and drop the green WhatsApp file into your Applications folder.
- You can then open the Applications folder to see the WhatsApp application and click on it to run it.
- Log in to your account or create a new one to get started.
WhatsApp for Mac requires macOS 11 or later.
WhatsApp for Mac: new features
- You can choose to receive incoming call notifications when your app is closed.
- You can now drag and drop files from your desktop to a chat to share them.
The new app follows WhatsApp this month by introducing screen sharing during video calls.
Meta has been focusing on introducing new features to expand the use of WhatsApp over the past few months, including instant video messages, channels to follow people and brands, locking your intimate chats, editing sent messages, Wear OS integration and the ability to use WhatsApp on multiple phones and move your messages to a new phone.
CNET
