WhatsApp’s new desktop app is about to ruin workplace productivity
As if an Internet full of listicles, cat videos, Twitter storms (and perhaps the odd bit of news) weren't enough of a distraction while you're trying to get some work done, there's a new diversion from the daily grind coming to your desktop.
Messaging app WhatsApp is escaping the confines of your smartphone and has now arrived on Windows PCs and Apple Macs in the form of a new app, the firm announced today.
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While WhatsApp web has been around for a while, the new dedicated desktop app offers better integration and includes notification pop ups.
It's not all bad news for productivity, however, if used to improve collaboration among colleagues.
The move to desktop adds WhatsApp to an ever growing list of work-based messaging services such as Google's gchat (or hangouts, as it's now known), Microsoft's Skype and upstart Slack, while the Facebook owned app follows its parent into the world of work.
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Facebook launched "Facebook for work" last year, to give companies an internal work community platform which is now used by some of the world's biggest companies. It's foray into the office paves a way for hugely popular consumer apps to enter the workspace, but we'll perhaps not hold out for a desktop Snapchat just yet.
Of course, the bonus for any worker is that you'll look perfectly productive staring at WhatsApp on desktop, rather than having to have a sneaky look at you're phone to catch up with the latest gossip.