WhatsApp Download

WhatsApp is often compared to different pieces of messenger software, but comparing it to Hike has caused reviewers some difficulties because of how similar the two apps really are.

WhatsApp and Hike are both geared toward the same type of user, and both offer competitive options that many people use. This means that personal preference might have a lot to do with what choice individual users ultimately make.

Top Five Differences Between the Two
1) WhatsApp is free for the first year, and charges a small annual fee after that. Many commentators have focused on this fact. Hike has a program that users can enroll in to earn money by using the app. The company is currently paying people for making referrals and getting others to sign up. Hike is otherwise completely free. Both of these programs tip the scales in Hike’s favor. WhatsApp doesn’t charge users much, but Hike actually offers them a slight opportunity to make money.

2) Privacy is a major issue for many users, and Hike recently added the option to use 128-bit SSL encryption technology to ensure private conversations stay that way. Every member of WhatsApp can easily get in touch with every other member, but for some this can be a problem. Hike offers an option to hide user names that’s similar to options provided by traditional messaging platforms like AIM and MSN.

3) File size is a major issue for people with a huge number of apps installed on their phones. Those who have a large amount of files on their phones tend to like Hike since it has a much smaller installed footprint. Some WhatsApp users have a tendency to move the program over to an SD card, but this can increase load times.

4) Hike has increased support for customized themes, but WhatsApp users will argue that this is an unnecessary luxury. The fact that Hike is able to support these with such a small file size is a strong indication of how tight it’s code is.

5) Hike allows users to transfer files that are up to 100 MB in size. It supports the PPT, DOC, DOCX and PDF formats. WhatsApp currently only allows users to transfer files up to 16 MB in size, which severely limits how well it can be used in the workplace. Hike also has some additional SMS messaging options located right alongside the file transfer ones that can make it attractive to business users.

The Bottom Line
Hike beats WhatsApp in features as well as file size, but there’s one area that WhatsApp wins out in. It’s among the most popular apps and it supports a number of different cellular devices. Some people might find that none of their friends use Hike, which continues to limit the popularity of this otherwise ideal messaging app. Those who are interested in giving Hike a try might want to keep WhatsApp installed. There’s no reason that users shouldn’t install Hike alongside WhatsApp, and Hike is so small it can fit on most phones with no problem

WhatsApp has become a household name in recent years, but Kik has recently threatened to take away some of the market share this instant messaging giant carved out. Kik is growing by leaps and bounds.

Unlike apps like Hike or Line, Kik appeals to as wide a customer base as WhatsApp does. This has made it popular with those who are currently displeased with WhatsApp and have been looking for some kind of an alternative.

Comparing Five Features of Both
1) Kik is a vastly superior application when it comes to privacy. The software doesn’t require a mobile number to register an account, and the program works around a username that others need in order to get in touch with other users. This means that Kik would better serve users who are trying to remain discrete, since they can avoid ever giving out their cellular phone number.

2) Kik has some problems when it comes to speed. It can sometimes take quite a bit of time for a message to come through. WhatsApp is essentially instantaneous, and it even has options for those who need to be notified when they receive a message. A vibrate option is provided for times when notification sounds would be disruptive. This is exceptionally useful for those who happen to be in a meeting when they’re waiting for an important message to arrive.

3) Users can send videos through Kik merely by browsing YouTube and clicking on an included button. This makes it quite easy. WhatsApp doesn’t really have these kinds of options, though it still does provide icons and a profile photo box for those who need to share some basic types of media with each other.

4) WhatsApp is friendlier toward those who want to create groups. Kik does provide a conversation mode that numerous users can be added to, but it seldom really works as well as it actually should. It’s very difficult to use, and sometimes it refuses to add a contact to a conversation for inexplicable reasons.

5) Users who want to check if messages were delivered correctly and read can do so with the Kik platform. Unfortunately there’s no way to do this with WhatsApp. This is in part because of the fact that it works with mobile numbers as opposed to discrete user names. That means that there’s no real way to tell if messages are going through, but those who have used older instant messaging programs are probably quite used to this fact.

A Drawback of Both
Both Kik and WhatsApp have a major drawback in common that users might want to consider before picking either. Both of these apps are configured for automatic startup, which means that there’s no need to enter a password when checking instant messages.

This is very convenient for those who have to pick up their phones and periodically check for something, but it means that if a mobile phone were ever stolen the thief could read everything sent to it. They could even theoretically impersonate the user.

The marketplace dominance WhatsApp enjoys has recently been challenged by Line. Some users are thinking of making the switch, but they should be aware of the fact that Line is radically different from WhatsApp in several ways.

The software was designed for an international audience and also includes some cute functions that are drastically different from the more business-oriented functions that WhatsApp provides users with. Line and WhatsApp might very well appeal to completely different market segments.

Comparing the Two Programs

1) WhatsApp has long been praised for the large number of platforms that the software came out on. It even provides support for users who are working with Symbian phones, and there’s a Java2ME version available for those who might be interested in it. Line is currently available for BlackBerry, iOS, Andorid and Windows Phone. There’s a version available for Windows and Mac desktop computers, as well as a Web version. These should help endear it to those who want to use a desktop or laptop computer instead of a mobile device.

2) Line has recently added voice calls via VoIP for WiFi and 3G users, and WhatsApp has a voice memo system. They’re both technically different functions, but they work similarly enough to be considered identical. Some users might like the WhatsApp way of doing things, but others might instead prefer Line’s way of offering voice chat. It all comes down to preferences at this point, but WhatsApp used to be a clear winner in this category. Line technically can make regular voice calls, which is nice for those who might be trying to skimp on phone minutes.

3) WhatsApp offers standard emoticons, but Line has an additional feature that allows users to post animated digital stickers. These perform the same job as emoticons more or less, but they’re done in a style reminiscent of several popular Japanese artists. Many of them look like tiny faces straight out of the pages of a comedy manga.

4) Line hasn’t reached the popularity of WhatsApp outside of Japan, so every once in a while users might come across a section that wasn’t translated properly if at all. Then again, Line also provides additional support for the Japanese language. Users who actually need to send messages in Japanese will strongly prefer this app to WhatsApp, but a majority of American users will still stick to WhatsApp.

5) WhatsApp comes with everyone needed to use the service installed. Line supports a variety of plug-in packages that serve to complement the software’s capabilities. Many of these don’t serve a useful purpose, so some users won’t want to install them merely because they take up extra space.

Which App is the Winner?
WhatsApp has more users, but it can only send messages to those who are using mobile phones. This makes it attractive for individuals who are always on the go, but Line is a more complete traditional instant messaging program that provides options for those who want to stay in touch using a variety of devices.