WHICH IS THE BEST IM APP FOR MY SMARTPHONE?
Instant Messaging (IM) is a form of quick online communication by way of text. There are many applications which allow this functionality and few which extend to voice calling and videotelephony. With the introduction of BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) to Anroid and iOS markets, many smartphone users are confused about which is the best available IM application for them.
FREE
BlackBerry’s instant messaging application is now available for other platforms and allows communication across other operating systems.
FUNCTIONS
* Has real-time text chat functionality
* BBM Video allows you to send images and videos
* Can also be used for free video calling
* BBM Voice allows free audio chats over Wi-Fi connections
PLATFORMS
* Android
* iOS
* BlackBerry
FREE 1 YEAR TRIAL; Rs. 55 SUBSCRIPTION
One of the most popular cross platform IM applications, WhatsApp has basic functionality which make it easy to operate on any smartphone
FUNCTIONS
* Real-time text chats over multiple operating systems
* Allows group chats
* Serves as a platform to send images, audio and video
PLATFORMS
* Android
* iOS
* BlackBerry
* Windows
* Nokia
* Symbian
FREE
Line works across multiple smartphone platforms as well as personal computer operating systems.
FUNCTIONS
* Free real-time text chat
* Equipped with voice call and video call functions
* In-built gaming functions
* Over 5,000 stickers and emoticons
* Allows for media exchange
* Can connect with desktop and other operating systems
* Group chat enabled
PLATFORMS
* Android
* iOS
* BlackBerry
* Windows
FREE
WeChat is a text and voice messaging application that has been growing in popluarity in the country.
FUNCTIONS
* Free live text chat functions
* Enabled with video calling and voice chats
* Group chat functions available
PLATFORMS
* Android
* iOS
* BlackBerry
* Windows
* Symbian
FINAL VERDICT: If you are looking for a basic instant text messaging application, WhatsApp is the way to go. However, if you are loking for an application which brings all your connectivity functions into one, Line is the best instant messaging app over multiple operating systems
NEW GADGETS
Rs. 69,990
Sony’s personal viewer is the nearest experience to a personalised home theatre.
FEATURES
* Full HD OLED screens for each eye
* Equipped to play 2D and 3D from Blu-ray player connected via HDMI cable
* Requires constant power supply
* Screen resolution of 1280x720p with display aspect ratio of 16:9
* Audio similar to 5.1 surround sound experience
* Adjustable settings for audio and video output
FINAL VERDICT: With a comfortable build quality, it is very convenient for a personal viewer. But the lack of portability and high price are disappointing. You’re better off purchasing an actually home theatre system.
Rs. 36,790
Most Tier 1 smartphone manufacturers have been releasing mini versions of their flagship phones. HTC One mini is the latest in the list.
FEATURES
* 4.3 inch HD Capacitive screen with resolution of 1280x720p 4
* MP camera with 720p video recording. 1.6 MP front camera
* Battery life at roughly 13 hours on 3G
* 16 GB internal memory with 1 GB RAM
* Dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with a speed of 1.4 GHz
* Connectivity: Wi-Fi ‘n’, Bluetooth v4.0, GPS, GLONASS and USB 2.0
FINAL VERDICT: All the scaled down functions in consideration, the HTC One mini is far too expensive. The cheaper Google Nexus 5 is better.
FREE APPS of the MONTH
SEND UNIQUE GREETINGS THIS NEW YEAR
Creative greeting card apps for your smartphone
Platform: Android, iOS
Description: This app allows you to sing your favourite songs from a huge catalogue of top hits, or edit a song and then share it with the world. It even supports duet mode. The audio technology works best on newer, high-powered devices.
Platform: Android, iOS
Description: This app allows you to design cartoon versions of yourself and your friends. You may put your friends (and you) in hilarious comics where anything can happen. Use this app to comically greet friends and family this holiday season with the help of more than 1000 customisable templates!
Platform: Android
Description: RIXA combines a picture and a sound to create a high-tech greeting card. With this app you can send messages, wishes or greetings this festive season. It works in two ways: you take a picture and add a voice comment or you record a voice comment and then add a picture.
Platform: iOS
Description: Montaj is something like a Vine-Instagram mashup that allows you to take five second video clips which you can then put in movie-style sequence with filters. Shoot beautiful clips, get a great edit in seconds and share them with as little or as many people as you choose. The makers are on their way to make it available for Android too.
Platform: Android
Description: An easy and fun way to create animated movies and greetings, starring you and your friends which you can then share via social networking sites like Facebook or YouTube. Though most of the greeting cards/movies are free, you may have to pay 50-99 cents for some others.
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