NEW YORK: Since WhatsApp came into being, it has been at the top of its business, offering users with the best services ever. It has been coupled with numerous updates and new features all aimed at retaining their loyal client base and attracting more users. The latest version of WhatsApp includes the blue tick feature that has received mixed reactions among users of this instant messenger.
But don’t be enslaved to these features as there are apps which offer almost similar services like WhatsApp, and even a bunch of other better features and services WhatsApp doesn’t offer.
Viber
Viber began in 2010 and it has become a true force in the VoIP niche, boasting a user base of more than 400 million users across the globe. This app can be used on any iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Symbian, WP or Bada device, even though it first came for iPhones.
Unlike WhatsApp, this app is absolutely free and it also includes a PC version. This app allows users to make free voice and video calls to other users, send free text messages as well as use the ViberOut feature to call users outside the Viber network. You can join and manage group chats of up to 100 people.
WeChat, which is based in China, is another valid alternative to WhatsApp. This app is popular for its video messaging abilities, although it offers users quality voice and video calling services in addition to free text messaging services.
This app can be downloaded and installed on a variety of platforms including iOS, Android, BlackBerry and Symbian. Just like Viber, WeChat is a free application and you can use it for a lifetime without any extra charges apart from the usual data bundle.
Line
A relatively young app, Line has more than 200 million active users across the globe and it’s available in 231 countries. This app is popular for its sticker collection and with it; users can send text messages as well as make voice and video calls to other users for free.
This application can be used on all major mobile operating systems, including iOS, Android and BlackBerry. This app also extends its support to PC platforms with versions for Mac OS X and Windows. Line users can share a variety of multimedia files as well as make video conferences.
Hangouts
Google Hangouts began in 2013, replacing the famous Google Talk and it has risen to popularity in a short period. Being a cross-platform app, this messaging application can be used by any holder of a Google account, be it Gmail or Google+. It can also be used on a myriad of devices and operating systems.
Using Hangouts, you can create and manage group chats, share photos, texts, video and voice messages in addition to making free voice and video calls to other users of Hangouts. This app is free to use for a lifetime.
