Open Whisper Systems replaces Signal extension with standalone desktop client

Open Whisper Systems has released a standalone desktop client for its secure chat app Signal. Until now, it could only be used via a Chrome extension on the desktop and via apps on mobile platforms.

In its announcement, Open Whisper Systems writes that the Chrome extension is no longer supported and that it has been given a deprecated status. Users can switch to the desktop version by launching the Chrome extension from the apps menu and choosing ‘migrate to standalone version’ in the options. They then have to choose a folder where the data export will be saved, which must then be selected again when installing the desktop client.

You can also opt for a new installation, where a QR code must be scanned with the mobile app. The new client supports the 64-bit versions of Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, in addition to macOS 10.9 or later. There is also a version for Linux distributions, but it only works on systems that support apt, i.e. the advanced package tool.

With the addition of a standalone desktop client, Signal joins other chat apps such as Telegram and WhatsApp, which have had this functionality for some time.