I don't cover WhatsApp much on AAWP because it's a pain dealing with the SIM-specific registration when I switch phones almost every day. But it's notable that WhatsApp has been updating its Windows Phone app very regularly, today adding two step verification - yes, which will make it even harder for me to switch phones, no doubt(!) But great for the general/normal user.

Windows Blog Italia reports the news, summarised by me in English as:

• Two step verification supported
• Extra reporting on storage being used by WhatsApp
• New button to convert Whatsapp videos to GIF
• bug fixes and various enhancements.

You can grab WhatsApp for Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile here in the Store.

From the Store description:

WhatsApp Messenger is a FREE messaging app available for Windows Phone and other smartphones. 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. Switch from SMS to WhatsApp to send and receive messages, calls, photos, videos, documents, and Voice Messages. 

• 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.

Comments welcome. Do you think we'll ever see a full UWP application? Regardless, great to see WhatsApp supporting Windows on phones so faithfully.