Open Whisper Releases Public Beta of Signal Desktop Client

Open Whisper Systems has released a public beta of Signal’s desktop client. The secure chat service can now also be used as a Chrome app on desktops for a large number of users.

Open Whisper Systems has made the trial version of the desktop client available to everyone after months of accepting invite-only users. The desktop client is a Chrome app that users can sync to their mobile version of Signal by scanning the QR code with their smartphone. For now, the client can only be linked to the Android app, support for the iOS app will follow.

Users need to add a device to the pairing in the ‘Paired devices’ section of the settings. The web app then generates the keys and makes contacts and groups available through the desktop client. Communications, including group calls, text messages, images, and video messages, are end-to-end encrypted as with the mobile app. Open Whisper Systems promises that the service will remain free and will not feature ads. The service derives revenue from donations.