Signal Encrypted Messaging Platform Arrives On Desktops

Secure and encrypted chatting on mobile devices is well and good, but sometimes you do need to use all ten (or just 8 or 9) fingers to better express what you have in your head. For that reason, Open Whisper Systems is bringing its Signal messaging app to desktops and laptops after being available first on iOS and, just last month, on Android. Now you can be sure that your super secret messages remain super secret, even from the government's prying eyes and ears.

Edward Snowden's revelations, which opened up a can of worms in the US and across the world. highlighted the need for extra strong security and privacy measures for private matters. And no where is that more relevant than in the realm of communication. The incidents have given rise to many apps, platforms, and even businesses that promise safety from unauthorized scrutiny, whether by criminal elements or the government itself.

One of those is Whisper Systems, who developed an open source software app called Signal to keep eavesdroppers out of your conversations. Signal's platform has even been endorsed by Edward Snowden, the very person who started the whole series of events and who we presume to be an expert at hiding things from unlawful eyes. Signal has actually been in existence since last year, but it was only in November that the app was made available to Android users.

Now that same app is available to desktop users but with a slight catch. It's actually a Chrome browser extension so you'll need to use as well. In addition, Signal actually links to your phone and uses its number. The benefit is that your messages will be synced across both devices. The drawback is, of course, you'll need a smartphone.

At the moment, only Android smartphones are supported for linking to the Signal desktop app. Signal on the desktop is also still in beta which seems to be limited to a few tester at the moment. That said, like the other version of Signal, the source code for the desktop app is also available on GitHub for others to use, scrutinize, and hopefully improve.

SOURCE: Whisper Systems