WhatsApp has finally launched a desktop client for its messaging service after six years.

Named WhatsApp Web, the service will require a QR code to login and users will only be able to use the web client - which only runs in Chrome - until their phone dies.

Users on iOS will not be able to utilize the platform, due to "platform limitations". Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone and Nokia S60 devices will all be able to use the web client, as long as they have the latest version of WhatsApp installed.

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Nothing much is different on the WhatsApp Web service, apart from the fact that you can type with a keyboard rather than a touchscreen, a plus for people typing large essays to friends on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp verifies users through a phone number rather than login details, meaning it is directly connected to a phone number, rather than an email address. This makes WhatsApp a real "mobile-first" app, not meant for the web.

The messaging service currently has over 700 million active monthly users, 600 million away from Facebook's own social network. Facebook has not had much influence on the messaging app since its $19 billion acquisition in 2014.

WhatsApp recently blocked WhatsApp Plus with a cease-and-desist letter, stopping the third party app from changing colors, backgrounds and hiding the fact a user has read a message. WhatsApp claims WhatsApp Plus used unauthorized features, which could breach WhatsApp security.

TagsWhatsApp, WhatsApp Web, QR Code, Messaging service