Signal, the encrypted open-source messaging app, is now set make its way to desktops and will run via the Google Chrome browser.
The much-lauded application that has even been recommended by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, enables users to establish confidential communications thanks to the end-to-end encryption support it offers.
On Wednesday, Dec. 2, the app's developer Open Whisper Systems divulged that the crypto app would be coming to the desktop. Dubbed Signal Desktop, the Chrome app will also sync easily with Android-powered devices.
The Signal app is already available for smartphones running iOS and Android, as well as tablets. The developer has released the beta version of the encrypted chat application for PCs.
"Today we're making the Signal Desktop beta available. Signal Desktop brings the trusted private messaging experience of Signal to the desktop, with a simplicity that allows you to seamlessly continue conversations back and forth between your mobile device and your desktop computer," revealed Moxie Marlinspike, Open Whisper Systems' founder, in a blog post.
Both the mobile and desktop version of the Signal app can be used under the same account. Thanks to this linking option, users will be able to sync their conversations across multiple devices.
Signal Desktop, however, currently does not have this functionality for the iOS app, but hopefully the developer will bring the same feature in the near term.
Signal's mobile app for both Android and iOS deploys end-to-end encryption not only for messaging, but also for voice calls and photo sharing.
What makes the service private is the fact that even developer Open Whisper Systems itself have no access to messages or calls as it does not save the encryption keys.
Unlike other privacy-oriented messaging services, Signal is an open-source app. This means that its code can be inspected by developers and in case of a security loophole or a tampering issue. Thus, Signal alleviates concerns from vendors who have been coerced by agencies to assist in surveillance.
Marlinspike has also divulged that while Signal Desktop does not offer voice support, the developer intends to bring file sharing and voice calling support in the long term.
