After disappearing from the Windows Phone Store for almost two weeks, WhatsApp has finally returned to the third biggest mobile OS platform.
WhatsApp, the biggest cross-platform instant messaging service, was taken down from the Windows Phone Store almost two weeks ago. Putting an end to the blame-game, which went on for days, WhatsApp has finally returned to the Windows Phone Store, Friday, citing "technical issues" for the delay.
WhatsApp and Microsoft offered vague timeframes about the revival of the messaging app on the Windows Phone Store.
WhatsApp cited the problem to be with the notifications on Windows Phone platform that triggered the temporary removal of the app. Since there was no prior notice or reasoning as to why the app was removed, people panicked and sought answers through online forums. In two separate statements from Microsoft and WhatsApp, the exact reason and the timeframe was not revealed, reports Win Beta.
Joe Belfiore, corporate vice president and manager for Windows Phone, reassured the users via Twitter while the app was unavailable. Like other official statements, Belfiore also said a fix is on way and the app will be available "quite soon." Failing to define "quite soon" enraged some users on Twitter, but not for long as WhatsApp was made available on the app store in just an hour after the tweet.
Sorry for being quiet about WhatsApp. We've worked with them to get a fix built and expect it to be back QUITE SOON.
- joebelfiore (@joebelfiore) May 30, 2014
WHATSAPP IS BACK! HAPPY WEEKEND! Grab from here: https://t.co/MhNwf46hZs - joebelfiore (@joebelfiore) May 30, 2014
The updated WhatsApp app is available for download from Windows Phone Store. The app now has some new features, including chat backgrounds, broadcast lists, custom notification sounds, privacy settings and bug fixes.
