Group calls can include as many as eight people. Once you're using the app, you can start a new conversation to clearly see which of your contacts are also using WhatsApp, then you can call them for free no matter where in the world they're located. You just need to confirm your phone number to get started. However, you can also call your WhatsApp friends right from the app using only your internet connection (it doesn't count against your phone plan's voice minutes). Meta-owned WhatsApp is a popular texting app with hundreds of millions of users. For what it does, Viber is fine, though its Windows Phone app falls short of other platforms' versions.It's unable to call non-users like landline phones. That app actually also lets you make free voice calls, too. For free text messaging, I find Facebook Messenger a better choice: All your contacts are likely already accessible, its chat heads are unique reminders, and its stickers more appealing. Otherwise, you're better off with Skype, which offers everything it does, and lots more. The thing is, how often do you really want or need to do this? Usually if I'm on a call on my mobile, I don't have any need to move it to my PC.ĭo you Need Viber? The only reason to get Viber for your Windows Phone is if your contacts are using it. I found this worked simply and instantly, with the press of a button. The one distinctive calling feature of Viber is its ability to instantly transfer a call from your mobile to your PC running the app or vice versa. The Windows Phone version of Viber doesn't let you call to outside landlines and cellphones, unfortunately. My test voice chat in Viber sounded clear, though it took a while for calls to go through at times. If the person you're calling doesn't answer, there's no way to leave a voice message as you can in Skype, though you can of course write a text message.įree voice calls to other Viber users are one thing that sets Viber apart from competitors like WhatsApp and Kik. It didn't add to the number for a missed call though. When I received a Viber message while doing something else on the phone, a standard notification shows up across the top of the screen, and the Viber live tile shows a number indicating how many text messages I've missed. I find Viber's stickers more childish and less artistic and cute than the Facebook Messenger stickers, and though you can buy more on other platforms in in-app purchases, the Windows Phone app doesn't support this. Nor does it have the iPhone version's press-to-talk, walkie-talkie-like feature. Unlike the iPhone version of the app, though, the Windows Phone Viber doesn't let you send videos or on-the-fly drawings. Viber-ing The main activity in Viber is text messaging, and you can not only send text, but also photos, your location, smilies, and stickers. The live tile merely shows the number of missed messages, rather than who it's from or the text of the message, as other apps' live tiles do. There are 11 background choices, some more goofy than others the default is beige with flocks of birds and an owl showing up on some pages. Interface Viber for Windows Phone makes good use of the operating system's unique interface capabilities: Its live tile support lets you pin conversations to your start screen, and you swipe sideways to move through call history, conversations, and contacts. But Skype and the other mobile communication apps I've used can also find your local phone's contacts, so that's not much of a differentiator. On the plus side, the real phone-number approach does ease account setup, and it means the app can find contacts on the phone. With Kik, Skype, or Facebook Messenger, you simply use your account username, avoiding those pitfalls. It also means you'll have to create a new Viber account if you get a new phone number. There are two concerns with services like WhatsApp and Viber, which require your actual phone number: You're giving out a private personal detail that links to your financial, personal, and contact data to a startup tech company, and any contacts can see your real number. Best Hosted Endpoint Protection and Security Software.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |