Mobile cross-platform instant messaging now become popular as mobile handset become the choice for the people. Various applications made in America to China was trying to lure consumers in Indonesia.
In the country, at least until now there are four competing applications. Starting from Whatsapp, Line, Kakao Talk and WeChat.
There are still a few more similar services in the online store. However, at least four applications on top of that diligent introduce yourself via advertising and mass media.
Everything certainly claim to offer different services and is superior to one another. So do not just merely exchanging messages.
Is this true? Only consumers must know and feel.
Well, we tried to find out more about the advantages and features that exist in the four instant messaging application. So you can separate them choose which service fits. Here's the result.
1. WhatsApp
When BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) has limitations because it is present only in the BlackBerry platform, WhatsApp trying to steal the attention of smartphone users.
WhatsApp made by former Yahoo retainer Brian Acton and Jan Koum based in California, USA.
This application is generally paid, who initially told customers to purchase a license for a certain period.
Overall, the BBM with WhatsApp is not much different. Only be able to exchange messages, pictures, sounds, and create a group chat.
Because a standard feature but can cross smartphones, many users are switching from BBM to WhatsApp.
Well, when a pin-based BlackBerry BBM, WhatsApp is based on the telephone number listed.
Because this is based cell phone number, not a few who complained about the unknown number that users can suddenly send a message.
Group chat is limited to 30 numbers. But, besides that usually only the author admin group, no one can add numbers or other friends.
Pros: WhatsApp located at the interface and functionality standards. So that anyone can easily use it, including businessmen who do not want a wide-range of services.
Disadvantages: just a standard feature in the middle of the competition is relatively favored or not. But that little lump in WhatsApp users sometimes have to pay for a certain period of time.
Platform: Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Symbian, S40, BlackBerry OS, BlackBerry 10, and Windows Phone.
2. Line
According to the story, made initial application for instant messaging Line 'help' the man who can not express the words to the woman.
Line become so famous not only as a messenger says, but also stickers - a kind of funny animations. Thus, most users Line more frequently than the sticker exchange.
Funny sticker that makes a booming Line used the developer, NHN Japan, to sell stickers.
Line not just offer instant messaging, because in fact the user can call a fellow member with the Line-based VoiP (Voice Internet Protocol).
It's that little distinguishes Line with similar services, the user can switch to a PC.
Another feature that may be important is, the user can determine whether the message line has been read.
Timeline is another feature offered by Line users. Users can write down all the activities like on Facebook.
Because cross-platform, playing games that have been made can be done by the user at the same Line.
Of course each user can reply with a cute sticker.
Pros: Not just exchanging written messages. Users can share the sticker with an unusual character. Including when switching to PC.
Disadvantages: Although Line is basically not based phone numbers. Users could easily have added Line account, without the need to be approve.
For some, the next thing I knew bobbed account unknown or undesirable may disturb. Although after that could be blocked.
3. Kakao Talk
Coming from South Korea, Kakao Talk back to try his luck in the Indonesian market. In addition to standard features, such as a variety of messages and images, what else can be given by KakaoTalk?
Of course its ability to make free calls VoIP based. But excess free call on KakaoTalk, users can call simultaneously without boundaries.
Indeed, more and more are invited to talk with will have an effect on sound quality. Depending on the quality of the internet is used.
KakaoTalk seems does not offer as many features as Line, such as gaming or social networking. But there are advantages in the Item Shop that sells stickers local flavor.
Call it an item from the famous blogger, funny Benazio or sticker of Pocong. Interestingly again, the user can use the emoticons for 90 days before buying it.
Pros: Free Calls or group chat with fellow account a number of very many advantages in KakaoTalk. Items such as stickers or emticon can be tested before purchase.
Disadvantages: For some emoticons on Kakao Talk less expressive. Moreover, the features offered also bear, not a little but not too much.
Platform: iOS, Android and BlackBerry.
4. WeChat
Came as a last challenger, WeChat direct steal smartphone users. Of course with more complete features claimed.
Features like sharing messages, VoiP and emoticon is definitely there in WeChat. But about emoticons, It feel less numerous and too mainstream.
Sharing activity can be performed as a Line. Somewhat different is a Look Around feature, which lets users search for fellow users WeChat in locations where it is located.
Want to move the computer, WeChat users can already do. Because the Chinese instant messaging service has been present.
But unlike the Line, users do not need to bother downloading the desktop version. Because simply by scanning the QR code directly switch to PC users.
Pros: Features Look Around and easily switch to a PC, according to detikINET, the most interesting of these WeChat. Regardless of other standard features.
Disadvantages: If you are a big fan of animated icons are cute, WeChat seems less taste in terms of character and expression.
Final Result:
Features: Messaging, VoIP & Pictures
Almost all standard features in this four instant messaging applications. Everything went smoothly, although not necessarily the same across platforms as good. Depending internet network.
Like to create a group can be done in four applications. Indeed, the number of members between applications differ from each other.
But there is a minus in WhatsApp, users are not able to perform internet-based calls.
Clear about whether or not to make voice calls, of course depending on the network obtained.
Emoticons or Sticker
Unless WhatsApp, users can exchange questions sticker and emoticons. A matter of taste, is not the same from one application to another.
Although arguably, according detikINET, emoticons catalog of WeChat less attractive.
Although not the most good, have to pay the emoticon before, a good strategy for Kakao Talk.
Switch to PC
Continued chatting to the PC is certainly interesting. But just WeChat and Line that has this feature.
Least of the two, We WeChat as the best. Because the users do not need to download a native application on the PC. It’s enough with Barcode scan.
