TOKYO: Free calls with Viber have changed the way we look at communication today.
Started by a group of developers from Israel, the application was soon purchased by a Japanese group, Rakuten at the tune of $0.9 billion.
About 500 million users have downloaded the application and are enjoying its free services.
The fact that elevates its status amongst users is that it is highly compatible with a huge range of devices, with the inclusion of tablets, phones and even desktops.
Designed initially for iOS based devices, Viber picked up in the field of popularity amongst users when it extended its services to other operating systems and devices.
Today, Viber’s support scope encompasses iOS, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry operating system for handheld devices and Linux, Windows as well as Mac for computers.
The desktop version is much better than WhatsApp web because it is a standalone application and phone does not need to be connected to the internet for the application to work.
However, in order to use it successfully for the first time, users need to install it on a phone, because they would need a phone number to sign up initially. Also, it is needed to verify Viber account.
When using Viber, users do not have to worry about adding contacts manually to the contact list. The application automatically searches the phone book and finds the numbers of all existing Viber contacts, adding them automatically.
The best thing about Viber is that you can make good quality calls, both voice and video. Since there is a tough competition from other applications such as Line, WeChat and Tango, Viber has come up with the latest HD call-quality, which can be used only if both the caller and the recipient are using the latest version of Viber. Needless to say, calls can be made from phone, tablet or PC.
Viber has the unique ability to transfer calls from one device to another. A fast internet connection is always favourable to make the best quality calls; all you end up spending is data balance.
You can use Viber to call non Viber contacts as well, but the application would then charge you.
This feature is called Viber Out and calls are quite affordable costing about 1.2 cents per minute.
Other important features are smart notifications and emojis and stickers. Viber Games have also been introduced in the latest version.
