Is Line going it alone? Messaging app maker reportedly files for $10B IPO
Given the usual strategy for OTT communications apps is to grow big and then sell out to an internet giant, Line’s plan to go independent runs counter to the market.
TextNow’s VoIP-only mobile phones can now swap calls between Wi-Fi and cellular
TextNow is an all-IP operator so all calls and text messages ride over its data connections. Adding hand-over between Wi-Fi and cellular means it will be able to support better quality voice conversations.
Soon you’ll be able to send SMS messages to toll-free help lines
On Thursday, toll-free numbers administered by Bandwidth will have the ability to send and receive text messages — which could mean that you never have to hold for an operator again.
BlackBerry continues to refocus on enterprise, launching an encrypted version of BBM
BlackBerry is using its secure enterprise communications network to launch a secure version of BBM, targeting it at corporate and government customer. It’s the second example in two weeks of BlackBerry looking beyond the phone.
VoIP calling outfit Rebtel launches a challenger to Twilio called Sinch
Rebtel is an OTT communications company with ambitions of being much more than a cheap international calling service. It has spun off its VoIP and messaging network into a new company that will target mobile developers.
Virtual operator FreedomPop brings its freemium service to the iPhone
FreedomPop is coming to iOS in many ways. It’s started selling refurbed iPhone 5s, activating its service on older iPhone models and offering an over-the-top iOS app to lure in potential customers.
Viber launches new polished apps for iOS 7 and BlackBerry 10
Viber’s new look for iOS 7 isn’t just cosmetic. It’s added a handful of new features such as multi-photo messaging and block lists. It’s also finally supporting BlackBerry’s latest OS.
WhatsApp becomes a virtual carrier in Germany with the help of E-Plus
E-Plus is offering up a cheap prepaid SIM-card plan that exempts WhatsApp traffic from its data plan, effectively creating a mobile service that leans primarily on over-the-top messaging for communication.
FireChat’s anonymous, off-grid messaging app arrives on Android
FireChat is debuting today in Google Play, after a successful launch on iOS. Android users can now engage in FireChat’s hyperlocal messaging sessions, but they won’t be able to chat with iOS devices.
FireChat sees 100K app downloads a day with a huge uptake overseas
Open Garden’s new anonymous, hyperlocal messaging app is sparking a lot of interest around the world, rising to the top of the iTunes social networking charts in several countries.