When did WhatsApp and Viber appear - briefly?
WhatsApp was launched in January 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum. Viber followed suit in December 2010, developed by Talmon Marco and Igor Magazinik. Both applications have significantly transformed the landscape of digital communication.
When did WhatsApp and Viber appear - in detail?
WhatsApp and Viber are two of the most popular messaging applications worldwide, each with its own unique history and development timeline.
WhatsApp was launched on January 9, 2009, by Brian Acton and Jan Koum, former employees of Yahoo!. Initially, WhatsApp was created as an alternative to traditional SMS messaging, offering a more cost-effective and efficient way to communicate. The application started gaining traction quickly due to its user-friendly interface and the ability to send messages over the internet rather than through the mobile carrier's SMS service. In 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for approximately $19 billion, further cementing its status as a global communication powerhouse.
Viber, on the other hand, was launched in December 2010 by Talmon Marco and Igor Magazinnik. Viber emerged from the Israeli startup Viber Media Inc., with the goal of providing free voice calls over the internet to users around the world. The application rapidly expanded its features to include text messaging, multimedia sharing, and even video calls, making it a comprehensive communication tool. In 2014, Rakuten, a Japanese e-commerce giant, acquired Viber for $900 million, aiming to leverage the app's global user base for further expansion into new markets.
Both WhatsApp and Viber have significantly transformed the landscape of digital communication. They have not only made it more affordable but also introduced innovative features that enhance user experience. Today, both applications continue to evolve, integrating new technologies such as end-to-end encryption, voice and video calls, group chats, and multimedia sharing options, ensuring they remain relevant in the rapidly changing digital world.