Viber messaging app launches Windows and Mac clients with video calling support

Popular mobile instant messaging and voice calling app, Viber, has launched desktop applications for Windows and Mac that also offer support for video calls.

Users who're already registered for the service on their mobile phones will be able to sign-in on the Viber desktop client with their mobile numbers and a verification code that's sent to the mobile app. Viber syncs the users' contacts, messages and call history with their mobile device. They will also be able to sync their instant messages across devices giving them the ability to send, receive and delete messages on either devices, and transfer voice calls between the different apps.

So you can choose to take a call on your PC and continue the conversation on your phone. This makes it a convenient messaging solution for users of multiple devices. It's worth noting that received and sent messages are shown on all devices, users will only get a notification on the device they are currently using.

Viber's desktop apps also allow users to make video calls. However, the feature is in beta and one can only make video calls between two desktops.

"People spend a substantial amount of time on their smartphones," said Talmon Marco, CEO of Viber. "However, a lot of that usage takes place at home or in the office, where they have laptops or desktops close by. With Viber Desktop you always get to use the most convenient device. You can seamlessly switch devices while messaging and even transfer calls between your mobile and desktop."

With this Viber now competes with the likes of Skype, the VoIP and instant messaging tool that was acquired by Microsoft and offers mobile and desktop apps across different platforms.

TViber has also released Viber 3.0 for mobile, the next major version of the app. Version 3.0 includes updated Android and iOS apps, and a new version for legacy BlackBerry OS that brings support for voice calling and compatibility with Viber Desktop.

Viber for Android has been redesigned and now features the "Holo" interface in addition to other optimizations. The app also includes features like video messages, stickers, last online status, among others.

Viber also claims that it has 200 million users across all platforms in 193 countries.