What is WhatsApp? And It's Top Alternatives

WhatsApp is one of the most popular chat apps on modern smartphones. The short news app replaced with many mobile phone users now the SMS. But what exactly does WhatsApp?
With WhatsApp for iPhone , Android , Blackberry , Windows Phone 7 or Symbian phones smartphone users send short messages over the network. The cost of SMS can save completely - provided a mobile internet flat rate.

How does Whatsapp?

WhatsApp runs on all popular smartphone systems. After you install WhatsApp software shows using the numbers from the phone book automatically, which have already installed their own contacts WhatsApp. Only with these contacts you can then communicate via WhatsApp.

Once you create a new message, you choose on your contact list from the WhatsApp receiver. Messages you send then as an SMS, but over the mobile internet connection or wireless. Is not online of the receiver, Whatsapp stores the message, and then sends the text later - much, as it is known for example from the PC software Skype.

Per tick one recognizes that a message has been sent correctly. Show two check marks next to the message, the text has reached the recipient. However, that does not mean that the recipient has already opened and read the message.

Smileys, Smileys, Smileys

Trailer of smileys and emoticons will love WhatsApp. In addition to traditional smileys in all colors and shapes Whatsapp offers numerous emoticons, such as animals, buildings, vehicles, flags, signs or hand signs. With individual wallpapers for WhatsApp is revamping the program interface.

Group chats and photos

In addition to the normal chat function can be texts with Whatsapp with several friends gleichzeitikg - per group chats. In addition, you sent via the Messenger photos, videos, audio messages or communicate its position with. Disadvantage: The messages are not encrypted - state secrets you should Whatsapp so would rather not share with others. Also discussions are not possible with Whatsapp.

Whatsapp is not free

The Whatsapp Messenger is initially free. After one year, a compulsory registration falls, which attracts a cost of $ 0.89 per year after themselves. Alternatively, to subscribe WhatsApp same for three or five years.
Warning: Whatsapp uses the data connection of your smartphone. Here you should have a flat rate, not to be surprised by a high cell phone bill.

Alternatives to Whatsapp?

Skype for mobile phones : The veteran of the phone software on the PC for quite some time is already running on mobile phones. Beside chat offers the mobile version of Skype on operating systems such as Android also correct telephone calls.
LINE : The Messenger enjoys especially in Asia great popularity and provides functionality similar to WhatsApp. In addition, Line comes with many stickers and video chat.
BlackBerry Messenger : Formerly only on BlackBerry devices, the BBM is now available for Android and iPhone. In particular, the communication via BlackBerry Messenger is considered safer than WhatsApp.
Nimbuzz : The Freeware Nimbuzz is now available for all major smartphone systems. The app uses the existing contacts from chat accounts such as MSN or ICQ. With Nimbuzz you can also make calls over the Internet.