Tencent’s instant messaging service WeChat has released an English version of its Windows desktop app, with new features for group chats and recall messages, in a bid to target users worldwide. The service is also available on Mac and supported on multiple browsers. Earlier this year, WeChat had launched its desktop app, which was available across all major mobile platforms, but in Chinese. Users can access the app at web.wechat.com on any browser and scan the QR code after logging in via smartphone web option within the app to pair it with the web client. Note that this web client will just be mirroring all conversations and messages from its mobile app, which means all the messages, will continue to remain primarily on the user’s mobile phone. Users need to have an active internet connection for the web client to work. The English version lets users share files with other WeChat users on desktop or mobile. WeChat also adds that it has a screenshot tool that lets users capture an image and send it to a contact instantly, using controls within the app. Implication: This web app would likely make things significantly easier for brands, celebrities and news organizations among others to engage with their audience. For example, during last year's General Elections in India, BBC started pushing out audio bulletins and other updates related to Indian elections via WhatsApp, WeChat and BBM. However, it took them a lot more time on WhatsApp since it didn't have a desktop version, due to which all the editorial activities had…
