WhatsApp launches web messenger for browsers

But Apple Mac users won't be able to use it due to 'platform limitations'

WhatsApp instant messenger now allows users to send messages from their desktop computers. The service was previously restricted to smartphones.

"Today, for the first time, millions of you will have the ability to use WhatsApp on your web browser," the company wrote in a blog post, explaining how the app has been extended in a way that enables users to respond using a computer and keyboard.

"Our web client is simply an extension of your phone: the web browser mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device - this means all of your messages still live on your phone," the blog continued.

However, Mac users are currently unable to use the WhatsApp web messenger. The firm cites "Apple platform limitations" as the reason the application will be unavailable on the Mac.

In order to use the web client, the user's phone must have a live connection to the internet.

"Your phone needs to stay connected to the internet for our web client to work, and please make sure to install the latest version of WhatsApp on your phone," the company said.

WhatsApp is owned by Facebook, which purchased it for $19bn last year. The social media giant has recently launched Facebook At Work, its own initiative designed to give the platform, which many see as of interest primarily to consumers, some traction in the workplace.

However, if this is the intention, in its current form it's unlikely WhatsApp for Desktop will get anywhere near becoming an enterprise tool, given that it is just an extension of a mobile personal messaging service.

WhatsApp is also potentially held back by privacy concerns surrounding the tool. Indeed, following the acquisition by Facebook, one privacy regulator warned users that they should stop using WhatsApp altogether.