Page 133 - May 2018 - December 2018 Issue

contact list. One of the things that is so attractive
about this app, other than its massive popularity, is
the addition of end-to-end encryption for privacy
and security. It also supports GIFs and
Snapchat-like editing features for fun.

LINE

Line is a very popular app, especially in Asia, with
more than 600 million users. As well as all the
standard features of a messaging app, there’s a
timeline similar to Facebook, where you can post
and your friends can comment on your posts. Calls
to landlines, and free Line to Line video or voice
calls are available. There’s also a very healthy store
of stickers packed with Line characters that are
famous in Asia. Group chat allows for chats of up to
200 participants and there’s support for encrypted
chats. You can also follow artists and brands on
Line. It even allows you to set up albums and share
them with friends.

VIBER

This is a very popular app that will automatically
add your contacts. It allows you to send text
messages, stickers, and emoticons, make video and
voice calls, and of course share your favorite photos.
Color-coded encrypted messaging is also available.
Viber Out is a feature that allows you to make
international and domestic calls at low rates. Viber
to Viber calls are always free.

WECHAT

The app offers users text messages, video and voice
calls, group chats, and multimedia attachments
enhanced with eccentric features such as “Friend
Radar”, “People Nearby,” and “Shake” to quickly find
new people online nearby. It’s one of the few apps
to boast a client for Android Wear and Apple Watch,
even if it lacks end-to-end technology. Its security
relies on client-to-server and server-to-client
protection, and also enjoys an accreditation from
the expert privacy organization TRUSTe.
Additionally, it’s certified by the strict ISO
270001-2013 international compliance standard,
which means it’s extremely difficult for hackers to
breach the app, even Chinese ones.

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