Two weeks ago, WhatsApp was suddenly pulled from the Windows Store. Users were left wondering what prompted the removal of the app. Those who downloaded WhatsApp before it was pulled could still use it, but new users looking to download the app were out of luck.
The Next Web reached out to Facebook for comment and received this reply: “Due to technical issues, we have chosen to un-publish WhatsApp Messenger on the Windows Phone platform.”
In fact, WhatsApp users on Windows Phone were reporting a myriad of issues prior to the app being pulled down. Notifications would take ten to thirty minutes to show up, making instant messaging impossible. The app languished for months without an update.
After a joint effort between Microsoft and Facebook, WhatsApp for Windows Phone is now available to download once again. “WhatsApp chose to unpublish their app from the Windows Phone Store after discovering an issue with how notifications are being handled on Windows Phone 8, Update 3,” said a Microsoft spokesperson speaking with Mobile Syrup.
The WhatsApp beta for Windows Phone receives regular updates so hopefully this means Microsoft and Facebook are taking development of the app seriously.
Download WhatsApp for Windows Phone
Source: WP Central | The Next Web
Follow Lewis on Twitter @lewisleong