The application is now available for download via Marketplace

Aug 13, 2012 08:20 GMT  ·  By

There’s been a lot of ruckus one week ago when WhatsApp for Windows Phone suddenly disappeared from the Marketplace without any further explanation.

Although we thought the developers were getting ready to launch a Windows Phone 8 version of the application, it looks like we were wrong.

WhatsApp has just reappeared in the Marketplace, so Windows Phone enthusiasts can download it again if they haven’t by now.

However, keep in mind that this is a newer version of WhatsApp, which has been enhanced with new features and tweaks meant to improve the overall stability of the application.

Alas, users who updated to version 2.8 complain that WhatsApp is still laggy and slow at startup. Some can’t even download and install the update, which fails at around 75%.

It looks like there’s an issue with pre-Tango smartphones, so owners won’t be able to install the latest version of WhatsApp.

We don’t have any additional details on this bug yet, but it appears that the application is only compatible with Windows Phone Tango for the moment.

Moreover, there are lots of reports of freezes during chat, lags and sluggishness, so we don’t recommend those who already have the application installed to download and install the latest 2.8 version.

Even though developers didn’t bother releasing an official changelog for this update, the guys over at WindowsPhoneApps.es have managed to discover some changes:

- Three new options on the toolbar: “Search”, “Status” and “Create Group;” - It’s not possible to attach a location to a message; - It’s now possible to share a contact in a message.

In addition, there are new animations when opening chats, and the Search option is now placed under Favorites & All.

WhatsApp 2.8 is now available as a free download via Marketplace and it should be fully compatible with all devices running Windows Phone 7.5 or higher. Check it out here. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay $0.99 yearly, after the first year of use.

Via