What is Viber on the phone and how does it differ from WhatsApp - briefly?
Viber is a popular messaging app similar to WhatsApp, allowing users to send messages, make voice and video calls, and share media. The primary difference between the two lies in their user base and additional features: Viber offers free international calls and has a desktop version, while WhatsApp provides end-to-end encryption for all communications and is more widely used globally.
What is Viber on the phone and how does it differ from WhatsApp - in detail?
Viber is a popular messaging app that allows users to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share multimedia messages over the internet using a mobile device or desktop computer. It was launched in December 2010 by Viber Media Inc., initially as an iPhone-exclusive application before expanding its availability to other platforms such as Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry OS, Symbian, and various desktop operating systems.
One of the key features that set Viber apart from many other messaging apps is its ability to automatically detect which of your contacts are also using the app, making it easy to start communicating with them without needing to add them manually. Additionally, Viber offers a unique feature called "Viber Out," which enables users to make calls to non-Viber numbers and landlines at affordable rates, effectively turning their smartphone into a global phone.
In comparison, WhatsApp is another widely used messaging platform that was acquired by Facebook in 2014. While both Viber and WhatsApp share many similarities, such as the ability to send text messages, make voice and video calls, and share multimedia content, there are several differences between them:
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End-to-End Encryption: WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption for all communication by default, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can read their messages. In contrast, Viber provides end-to-end encryption for voice calls but not for text messages, which are encrypted only between the user's device and Viber’s servers.
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Backup Options: WhatsApp allows users to back up their chat history to cloud services such as Google Drive or iCloud, making it easy to restore conversations if they switch devices. Viber also offers a backup feature, but it is limited to saving messages and call history locally on the device's internal storage or an external SD card.
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Group Calls: WhatsApp supports group video calls with up to eight participants, while Viber allows for group video calls with up to 20 participants, making it more suitable for larger group conversations.
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Desktop App: Both platforms have desktop applications, but Viber's desktop version is known for its user-friendly interface and seamless synchronization of messages between the mobile app and the desktop client. WhatsApp’s desktop application also provides a reliable experience but has been criticized in the past for being less intuitive than some users would prefer.
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Sticker Packs: Viber offers a wide variety of customizable sticker packs, allowing users to express themselves creatively within their messages. While WhatsApp also supports stickers, the selection is more limited compared to what Viber provides.
In conclusion, both Viber and WhatsApp are powerful messaging platforms with their own unique features and advantages. The choice between them ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. For those prioritizing end-to-end encryption for text messages and cloud backup options, WhatsApp may be the better choice. On the other hand, users who value larger group video calls, customizable sticker packs, and the ability to make affordable international calls through "Viber Out" might find Viber more appealing.