Introduction
Hate paying for texts and calls? Making international calls might incur huge bills through your smart phone. So, what’s the solution? Well, may be the use of a VoIP application might help you a little bit. A highly recommended VoIP tool, Viber
has gained huge popularity and has reached million of users since as a best alternative to paid SMSs and calls.
Though Viber does not come with a lot of functions, bit it offers two important communication features- Viber gives access o the users to communicate using VoIP for free, bypassing the mobile carrier (only with GSM network) and support group messaging like WhatsApp. Available for free download from Google Play Store for Android devices and App Store for iOS handsets, Viber comes with potential to top the list as best rated VoIP tool. Let us find out what makes Viber top our list of free messaging apps.
The Set-up
Downloading, installing and running Viber takes not more than a minute. After you have installed the Viber on your smart phone, it asks for permission to send push notifications and access the address book. After that it asks for your phone number (your ID), your name and a profile photo. Also, you need to connect to your Facebook account to sync details and contacts list with Viber.
The best part is that Viber is compatible with most of the platform: Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Symbian and Blackberry. Moreover, you can also install Viber on Windows and OS X 10.7 systems.
User Interface
Reminiscent of other cross platform messaging apps like WeChat, Line or WhatsApp, Viber comes with simple, neat and clean user interface. Its top navigation bar display Messages, Contacts and Recent Made Calls. While the bottom navigation bar has option for New Message and Search. The More Options allows the users to invite friends to Viber and adjust the application settings.
But I wish Viber would have been added with Status Option, which might give your friends a hint if you are busy or free to talk. Overall, Viber is much simpler to browse and use unlike WeChat, Line or WhatsApp.
Features and Performance
You can make high-quality VoIP calls using Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity with your registered mobile number. Viber automatically syncs with your contacts and detects the numbers that are already using the Viber, making it easy for you to add your friends in the list.
But what might disappoint you is that Viber only supports free calls and text messages to Viber users. So, if you think of making a call to landline number (even paid) and other numbers, then you are sure to get disappointed.
Things You Can do on Viber:
- Text your friends
- Make free calls with HD sound quality
- Groups with up to 40 contacts
- Send stickers and emoticons
- Share photos, videos and locations
- Create and send doodles
- OS integration – share images and videos straight from the gallery
Final Verdict
Viber is a good app to use, especially of you want make free calls, even globally. Text message were sent and received seamlessly and making call was just simple. The sound quality felt much better than of any other budget smart phone. Send pictures, videos, emojis, stickers, location and even create Doodles with Viber. Overall, Viber is one of the best messaging apps available for free download, which makes messaging fun.