While messaging apps on Windows Phone and Windows 10 typically reflect the native fonts – including emoji – of their host platform , WhatsApp continues to be an exception. Users of the messaging app will note that the developers of WhatsApp on iOS, Android, and Windows choose to use the iOS emoji set on all platforms to standardise communication.

In the latest update to the WhatsApp beta – taking it to version 2.16.204 in the Windows Store, Windows Phone users now have the option to make use of the new flatter emoji set Apple introduced in iOS 10 to communicate with cross-platform users.

Not all users may appreciate the change, with some preferring that WhatsApp respect platform specific emoji, while others will embrace it, noting that different emoji across different devices can cause messages to be misinterpreted either negatively, or positively.

If you’re one of the 5 people who aren’t using WhatsApp yet, you can check out what it offers below.

NO FEES: WhatsApp uses your phone’s Internet connection (4G/3G/2G/EDGE or Wi-Fi, as available) to let you message and call friends and family, so you don’t have to pay for every message or call.* There are no subscription fees to use WhatsApp.

MULTIMEDIA: Send and receive photos, videos, documents, and Voice Messages.

FREE CALLS: Call your friends and family for free with WhatsApp Calling, even if they’re in another country.* WhatsApp calls use your phone’s Internet connection rather than your cellular plan’s voice minutes. Available on Windows Phone 8+. (Note: Data charges may apply. Contact your provider for details. Also, you can’t access 911 and other emergency service numbers through WhatsApp).

GROUP CHAT: Enjoy group chats with your contacts so you can easily stay in touch with your friends or family.

WHATSAPP WEB: You can also send and receive WhatsApp messages right from your computer’s browser. Available on Windows Phone 8+.

NO INTERNATIONAL CHARGES: There’s no extra charge to send WhatsApp messages internationally. Chat with your friends around the world and avoid international SMS charges.*

SAY NO TO USERNAMES AND PINS: Why bother having to remember yet another username or PIN? WhatsApp works with your phone number, just like SMS, and integrates seamlessly with your phone’s existing address book. • ALWAYS LOGGED IN: With WhatsApp, you’re always logged in so you don’t miss messages. No more confusion about whether you’re logged in or logged out.

QUICKLY CONNECT WITH YOUR CONTACTS: Your address book is used to quickly and easily connect you with your contacts who have WhatsApp so there’s no need to add hard-to-remember usernames.

OFFLINE MESSAGES: Even if you miss your notifications or turn off your phone, WhatsApp will save your recent messages until the next time you use the app.

AND MUCH MORE: Share your location, exchange contacts, set custom wallpapers and notification sounds, email chat history, broadcast messages to multiple contacts at once, and more!

WhatsApp beta is available for all Windows phone devices, and you can get it from the link below.