Signal encrypted messaging app available on desktop

Open Whisper Systems' app Signal

Software organization Open Whisper Systems has launched an open beta version of its free encryption app Signal, available from Google's Chrome store.

The Signal app is available on both iOS and Android, and is now in testing phase for desktop. Testers can send completely encrypted private group, text, picture and video, although voice messaging is not yet possible. For the moment, the desktop app links to a Signal account on an Android device, although iOS is coming soon.

Moxie Marlinspike from Open Whisper Systems explains: "Signal Desktop is a Chrome app which links with your phone, so all incoming and outgoing messages are displayed consistently on all your devices. Your contacts don't have to guess where to message you, and when you switch devices the conversation you started will already be there."

Currently there is a waiting list of several thousand people who want to trial the app.