 "Viber releases desktop app, huge updates for Android and iOS")
Cross platform instant messaging and VoIP calling app Viber is making big news. The company announced on Tuesday that it now serves over 200 million users across various platforms. Viber has also announced the launch of a new Mac and Windows desktop app that will soon be rivalling Skype.
After proving to be one of the more successful cross platform messaging apps on smartphones, mainly on the basis of its VoIP abilities, Viber has made the move to desktops to lure in more users across more platforms now.
Video calling is here
The desktop version of Viber integrates itself with the mobile versions of the app and is as simple to use as them. The desktop version of the app replicates the simple sign in process – all you need is a phone number. All your Viber contacts from your mobile app will be synced to Desktop Viber too.
If you’re using Desktop Viber, you will be able to transfer calls between the app and the mobile version of Viber with a single click or tap. You can even sync received and sent messages. In case you wish to delete conversations, you can do so on any device you have Viber on.
Desktop Viber is the company’s first application that will offer video calling. You can place video calls to other Desktop Viber users with this beta feature. Finally, a true competitor to Skype!
“People spend a substantial amount of time on their smartphones,” said Talmon Marco, CEO of Viber. “However, a lot of that usage takes place at home or in the office, where they have laptops or desktops close by. With Viber Desktop you always get to use the most convenient device.”
Move between the mobile and desktop apps with ease
That’s not all. Viber is going all out on this occasion. The release of Viber Desktop is a part of the roll out of Viber 3.0, the next major version of the platform. Along with this desktop app, Viber has released major updates to both the Android and iOS version of the app as well as a new version for BlackBerry that ensures voice calling as well as compatibility with Viber Desktop.
The Android update now features an all new Holo design for Viber as well as Android-specific optimisations. The common updates that both the Android and iOS versions of the app include Video messages, stickers, “last online” feature, and enhanced photo experience.
Viber now has 200 million users spread over 193 countries across all supported platform. Back in December last year the service had 140 million users. Viber has also added support for eight new languages bringing the total of supported languages to 27. Truly, Viber is turning into a worth competitor to Skype. The jump from mobile messaging to desktop calling has been a remarkable one for Viber. The tons of updates that it has pushed out all at once will only endear the service to users across platforms.
Head on to Viber’s website to download the desktop app for your PC or Mac.
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