Zoho, an Indian software development company has now launched its own instant messaging app called “Arattai” after the recent WhatsApp privacy policy changes. The desi messenger app has now crossed 50K+ download on Play Store after its release on January 07, 2021, and it is also trending in Apple’s App Store. So at a time when people are looking forward to switching from WhatsApp and foreign developers’ apps are facing backlash in India, can Zoho’s messenger app Arattai, which means “chat” in Tamil, be an alternative to WhatsApp? Let’s find out what features does it have in order to face WhatsApp!
Also, read | WhatsApp Vs Telegram Vs Signal: Detailed Comparison Based on All Features
Reasons Why Arattai Can Be WhatsApp Alternative
Here are some points that can make Arattai a Whatsapp alternative. Some features are still missing in the app, but to be noted, the app is not yet formally launched.
Homegrown App
Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho Corporation
First and one of the main reasons could be- it’s “Made in India”. The Chennai based software company, Zoho has already created some useful tools for professionals, but this time the company has tried to make a desi WhatsApp alternate. So users might move to Arattai because of the fact that it is a desi app.
Multi-Device Support
As per Arattai’s website, it is a “cloud-based messenger” which’s why it supports content syncing from anywhere. So you can get to access your messages from multiple devices at once and all you need is an OTP on your registered number. This is a feature that is still missing in WhatsApp and the Facebook-owned company is probably testing it. Moreover, all the user data is encrypted at cloud storage.
Group Features
Another reason for Arattai to be a replacement for WhatsApp is its group chat feature. It supports a maximum of 500 members in a group and a group can have a maximum of 50 admins. However, you can have a group video call with up to 6 participants, whereas WhatsApp lets you add 7 members in a group call. This app also has some group permission that only Admin can control.
Calls Are Secure
All voice and video calls you make via Arattai are secure and end to end encrypted. This means the calls are not accessible by anyone even the company and only the people on the call have access to it.
User Data Privacy
As we already mentioned, this is a cloud-based messenger. The user data of Arattai is stored in India and all the chats and other data are encrypted in the cloud storage. The company claims that it doesn’t “share your data with any third-party service providers” and it has a strong focus on user privacy. It also has all the other security and privacy features.
Bonus: Other Features
The messenger app also has all the other basic features a chat app could have. Such as it allows you to send text and voice messages, make audio and video calls, share images, docs, and other media. It also has a disappearing messages feature just like WhatsApp.
Apart from these basic features Arattai also has some unique features like message reactions, mentions, doc scanner, and many more.
Features That Are Missing
The Ararttai app has all the essential elements of a messenger app, still, some features are missing. First of all, as of now, the app doesn’t offer an end to end encryption on chats. Arattai’s official website says that this feature is “something we are working on”. Moreover, the app doesn’t have an option to delete the account as of now, but this will also be “made available soon”.
Looking at the features, it already got, and the features that might be coming, Arattai can be a WhatsApp alternative in India and we are waiting for an official announcement from the company. However, the app is already available for Android and iOS platforms in the app stores. So if you are using the Arattai app, share your thoughts about it.
You can also follow us for instant tech news at Google News or for tips and tricks, smartphones & gadgets reviews, join GadgetsToUse Telegram Group or for the latest review videos subscribe GadgetsToUse Youtube Channel.
