LONDON: 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 your 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, you need to install it on a phone, because you would need a phone number to sign up initially. Also, it is needed to verify your Viber account.
When you are using Viber, you 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.