App updates you should know: WeChat comes to Mac, Hangouts for iOS updated and more!

You can't miss these updates (Image credit: Getty Images)

It’s been a rather busy week for apps with some getting new features, new clients and new platforms and some shutting down. Have a look at some app stories you cannot afford to miss this week.

Facebook Messenger for Windows desktop:

The desktop client of Facebook Messenger is shutting down come March 3. The app has started showing a link saying, “We’re sorry, but we can no longer support Facebook Messenger for Windows, and it will stop working on March 3, 2014. We really appreciate you using Messenger to reach your friends, and we want to make sure you know that you can keep chatting and view all your messages on http://www.facebook.com.” The move comes only days after it was announced that Facebook Messenger was coming to Windows Phone soon.

Goodbye, desktop. Hello, mobiles

WeChat gets a Mac client:

Cross platform messaging app WeChat is stepping up its game, and how. After completely revamping its Android client, WeChat has introduced a Mac app, available both in English and Chinese. WeChat had been available for use on the web earlier, by way of scanning a QR code, but this is the first time a native app has been unveiled. There’s a good chance that a Windows client could be released next. Get hold of the WeChat Mac client here.

Line will let you sell your own stickers:

Speaking of cross platform messaging apps, Line has now announced a new platform called the Line Creators Market. Starting April, you will be able to sell your own stickers on the app. You can make sets of 40 stickers at 100 yen, but you will need Line to approve it. The app will keep a 50 percent cut of all your sticker earnings.

Sell your own Line stickers soon

Skype-Microsoft Integration complete:

Updates galore! Skype has not only updated its Windows Phone app to support Microsoft accounts, it will also let you sign up for its services using a Microsoft account. Essentially, you won’t need to remember multiple IDs and passwords for your services, and get an optional two-step verification from Skype. Win-win?

Google+ for Android:

The Android version of Google+ has received a nifty little update that will improve your photo experience on the app. Now if you start editing a picture on one device, you can continue doing so on another one. Essentially back up full-resolution pictures and then edit them from wherever you have.



Along with this, Google has pushed out some new filters inspired by Snapseed and tools like better crop and rotate too. There’s also a new “All” view display for your entire photo library as well as browse them by date. Get the Google+ update for Android here.

New and improved Hangouts for iOS

Google Hangouts for iOS:

Not just Android, Google’s showing some love for iOS too! The newest version of Hangouts for iOS is bringing along a brand new look and feel, and easy navigation. You can now sent animated stickers to your contacts, record and send short video messages as well share your location. The app is now also optimised for the iPad.


Of course, it will still allow you to make all those free voice and video calls. There are also some major performance improvements. Head on to the App Store to download Hangouts 2.0 for your iOS devices.

Oggl for iPad:

Hipstamtic’s photo editor Oggl is now available for iPad. Which, of course, means being able to edit and view your images a lot better on the bigger screen. The app does not look like an oversized version of the iPhone app, which is a good thing.

Oggl comes to iPad

The app also brings along a new SurfMode on Air Play, which you can use to present an Oggl feed onto an Apple TV and have a live photo stream running. The Surf Mode works well on just the iPad too. There’s now a notifications ticker, that pretty much gives you information on all the love and reposts your pictures get on Instagram, Facebook, Flickr and more. Get the Oggl for iPad app from the App Store.