Admit it!
When it comes to technology you like to have options.
I know I do. You probably do, too.
I think it’s one reason why so many of us have multiple apps on our smart phones. We love tools that make our lives easier or that teach us something new.
I have to say, whenever I need to chat with someone, particularly with a fellow Haitian, WhatsApp and Facebook messenger are usually the apps of the day.
But did you know there are dozens of other apps that you can use to communicate with loved ones and colleagues?
Yes, there is, although for some people the list below might seem outdated, since some of the apps have been on the market for one to two years already.
I hope you’ve heard of some of the apps below, and if not, I hope this post will help change that.
I came across these apps while doing research for a completely different topic, but I couldn’t resist sharing them. The best part about these apps is the free versions with the option to upgrade to a premium one.
A word of caution before we move on…
This post is not a review of the apps — I am only sharing information about other ways you can communicate. I think it’s important to have choices.
Without further ado, I’d like to share the following ten apps with you.
- Viber
Viber is one of the top messaging apps on my list. I have to give credit where credit is due. Ann Tran, a social media influencer, introduced me to the app last year, and I’ve been using it ever since. The free app is quick and easy to download and use.
The “Viber Out” feature is very cool — it will make some of you who use a land phone line happy. According to a few experts, the app is well-positioned globally. It has over 200 million users in 193 countries.
- HipChat
HipChat is considered an internal communication app, and from what I understand, it’s great for startups. Instead of using emails, work teams can use this tool to get things done. It seems to gear more towards the millennium generation.
- Line
As a free messaging app from South Korea, Line has seen exponential growth to over 100 million users in the short time since it launched in Asia. The app has the ability to do free videoconferences.
Because of its tremendous success, the company that built the app is pushing to increase its user base in Latin America.
- Slack
Slack is also used as an internal communication tools for teams and group projects. What makes this app unique according to some of its users is the ability to upload files and links, as well as retrieve old conversations. It also allows users the ability to use Google Hangout from inside a chat room.
- Lua Enterprise
Small and mid-sized businesses can enjoy this mobile-only app. It was built to keep employees connected while on the go. In addition, it provides real-time messaging and instant group calls. The best feature about the Lua app is that you don’t need to dial in or create a password to use it.
- QQ International Chat & Call
If you’re multilingual, you’ll appreciate this app because of its ability to translate chats. Tencent Technology, a firm in China, invented the app. You can make video calls as well as using voice chats and texting. What’s interesting about this app is that it competes with Facebook for number of users. It has over one billion registered users in 80 countries.
- Imo
I’ve used this app to connect with friends in Haiti. Besides WhatsApp, this one is also popular in Haiti. Let your family know about this app so you can communicate with them for free. And, in contrast to some apps, the push notification feature is free.
Moreover, one of Imo’s interesting features is that it allows users to simultaneously log into several of their instant messaging accounts. The messaging app runs on both iPhone and Android.
WeChat was also founded by a Chinese firm. This free messaging app has over 800 million users and expanding. It’s compatible with all the major smartphone players, such as Android, iPhone, etc.
Some users love WeChat because of the app’s ability to recall messages within two minutes. The app also has the ability to create live chats, do translations and edit photos.
However, unlike Viber, the majority of WeChat users are in Asia. So if you have businesses and friends in Asia, this could be an option for you.
- Bitrix24
Bitrix24 is another great internal communication tool that’s ideal for small businesses. If you’re looking to help your small organization manage its line of communications, this app will be useful.
In addition to group chats and videos, you can manage your calendar, access your emails and use the built-in customer relationship management system.
- TigerText
This app is worth exploring if you’re in the medical field. It is known in the industry as a leading secure messaging platform for healthcare providers. It allows medical professionals to collaborate and share timely information to enhance patients’ care.
These are the ten apps that I wanted to share with you. I hope you find some if not all of them useful. Now you have a few more options other than WhatsApp and Facebook messenger.
Your turn! Are you currently using any of these apps? If so, which one(s) do you use? Are you using one that’s not on this list? I’d love to hear about it below in the comments section.
About the author: Daniella Bien-Aime is the founder of the Bien-Aime Post, a digital media platform that focuses on business, leadership, education, and social media within the context of Haiti and its diaspora. Follow her on Twitter @dbienaime.
