Windows Phone: The best alternatives to WhatsApp
After Facebook bought WhatsApp, everyone looks around for alternatives. We present the alternative messengers for Windows Phone in this practical tip.
Alternative messenger for all platforms
It is important that the alternative messengers are cross-platform. Ideally, messengers should also be available for iPhone and Android. Of course, we have paid attention to this so that you can chat with all your friends without restrictions, even if Threema and Blackberry Messenger are (not yet) available on Windows Phone.
Viber - Messenger with Voice-Over-IP function
With Viber you can not only chat, but also make calls with friends. This is made possible by the Voice-Over-IP function. However, a good internet connection is required.
- Register with Viber using the mobile phone number. Security settings are hardly possible with Viber. There is no information about encryption.
LINE - Not just for smartphones
LINE is also on the rise. Messenger is more established on the Asian market, but you can not only install LINE on your smartphone, but also on your Windows PC or Mac.
- You must also register with LINE with your mobile phone number. You can send messages, photos, videos and voice messages and spice up the chats with emoticons. The alternative to LINE is Skype, here you are also mobile and on the go on the computer.
Unofficial Telegram app for Windows Phones
Telegram is currently very popular with iOS and Android users. For Windows Phone you get the unofficial app "Migram BETA". As the name suggests, it is "only" a BETA version. But to chat with friends using Android or iOS, the version is enough.
- You have to register with the app with the mobile phone number. For iOS and Android smartphones, users get the official app, in which messages are encrypted according to the 256-AES standard. It is unfortunately not possible to understand whether this is the case with the Migram BETA.
Kik Messenger with email registration
With Kik Messenger you can log in with your email address and set a nickname. You can add friends with the nickname and vice versa. You do not have to reveal your email address or cell phone number.
Jongla - Messenger with TLS encryption
Jongla is one of the lesser known messengers. The messages are protected with TLS encryption.
- However, you must also register here with your mobile phone number. The app compares your address book and finds friends who also use Messenger.
In another practical tip you will read how to block calls and SMS from unwanted contacts.