Messengers for Android. Messengers: what is it, what are they, and how to use them? Viber - a universal messenger

What a messenger on a phone is is probably known to every person without exception who uses modern “smart” phones – smartphones. But they are not the only ones that support such applications - today you can download a program for communicating via the Internet on a PC, on a tablet, and even on set-top box Smart TV. And this is not a joke, but a reality, since modern Internet technologies work real miracles!

If you don’t yet know what messenger is, or haven’t decided which application to give preference to, we will be happy to help you! Next, we will consider the most popular, well-known and reliable programs that are used for communication via the Internet by users from all over the world.

The concept of the words “messenger” and “messenger”

First, let's figure out what the word messenger means and what are the features of such an application?

A messenger is a program that is installed on a smartphone, PC or tablet for quick online text messaging. In addition, there are Internet messengers designed for communication exclusively on the World Wide Web.

Meaning of the term

Let's consider the meaning of the word "messenger". If translated literally from in English, then this term means “sender”, “one who sends a message, message, message”.

It is important to consider that such programs work exclusively via the Internet, even if they are installed on the phone. However, these applications have one advantage: they are not affected by Internet speed. Therefore, even if you use Internet services mobile operators, this will not affect the delivery of your messages to the recipient.

Types of messengers

We looked at what this messenger is for “dummies” - people who have not yet had the opportunity to take advantage of all the benefits of these programs, and who do not know the specifics of their functioning. Now let's move on to the classification of these applications. But it should be borne in mind that, as such, gradation does not exist.

Conventionally, messengers can be divided into the following types:

1. Mobile. Such applications are installed on smartphones and tablets.
2. Computer. The name speaks for itself - the programs are installed on a PC or tablet.
3. Internet messengers. What are instant messengers on the Internet? These are programs that run on certain Internet sites. But recently, such communication has become less popular, since mobile and computer messaging programs are more convenient, and at the same time less demanding.

Of course, this is a conditional gradation of messengers, helping to better understand what kind of application it is. Reviews of the most best programs will be discussed later.

Messenger - what is it?

Many users wonder what a message is. But such a concept does not exist; most likely, they confuse it with the term “message”. It, in turn, is translated from English as “message, message.” That is, when you communicate with your friends in instant messengers, you send each other messages - ordinary text messages.

Messengers and social networks

Social networks provide more opportunities. You can use them not only to communicate, use media players or play games. Social networks provide their users with the opportunity to earn money - from groups, from likes, from subscriptions, etc.

Thus, the messenger is a simplified program for communicating in online chats. The most popular applications are WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram. But this is only the smallest part of existing communication programs.

Below are lists of what kinds of messengers there are, what their main features, advantages and disadvantages are. We will also consider in detail the questions of how to use them, and which programs are best to give preference to.

The best instant messengers for smartphones, tablets and computers

So, we have looked in detail at the question of what messengers are and what they are like. Now let's take a closer look at the list best apps for communication, which can be installed on your phone or tablet. Below is a list from which you can choose the most optimal option for yourself.

whatsapp

WhatsApp is one of the best messengers for communication. The principle of its operation is very simple:

1. You download the application to your smartphone or tablet, enter your phone number, and come up with a password.
2. The program synchronizes with your phone book, displaying all the contacts that are recorded there.
3. To contact the right person, whose number is not in your phone book, you must first add it to your contacts list. After this, the application must be restarted for the new number to be displayed in it.

WhatsApp provides all the necessary opportunities for communication, but, compared to other messengers, it is, roughly speaking, rather weak. The fact is that using this program to call neither mobile nor landlines impossible, so this application is perfect only for those who like to communicate via text messages.

Note. What is WhatsApp messenger for a tablet, and how to use it? You won't have any difficulties here. If your device does not have a SIM card slot, then first you need to download the application and log into your account using your username and password. After this, you will receive a confirmation code on your phone. Once you enter it, you will be able to use the messenger on your tablet in the same way as on your smartphone.

Viber

A huge number of users know what kind of Viber messenger program this is. This is one of the most convenient applications that can be installed not only on a smartphone or tablet, but also on a computer.

Its main advantage is the ability to perform free videos calls, and free communication with friends. Undoubtedly, this is the best messenger of all the programs that exist today. The principle of its functioning is close to that characteristic of WhatsApp.

You need to register your account by entering your phone number and creating a password. That's it - the application is ready to use. It syncs with your phone book, automatically adding all the contacts in it. If users from your TC are also registered in Viber, you can freely communicate with them.

Skype

Skype is the most popular instant messenger for PC. To register in the program, you must create a login or enter your email address. Be sure to combine a strong password - and then you will be able to use all the features of this service. And they are very extensive!

With Skype you can make free calls to any corner of the world, send media files and text messages. In addition, there is mobile app Skype, which you can use in the same way as computer program. Its undeniable advantage is that it is a messenger that can be used without necessarily specifying a phone number. You simply create your account and the program is ready to use.

What other messengers are there for your computer? The choice is really great. The list of the most popular programs for communicating via the Internet includes:

• Telegram;
• WhatsApp;
• BILCO;
• B-Slack;
• YouMagic;
• GTalk and many others.

Which messenger is best to choose to install on your computer - the choice is yours. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, so, if necessary, you can always refuse to use one program in favor of another. Or install several applications at once to receive all the services that you require.

Other messengers

So, we reviewed the list of the most popular instant messengers for communicating from a phone, tablet and computer. Now let’s briefly go through the programs that work directly on the Internet. We will describe only the most popular of them.

In contact with

Many users are wondering: is VK a messenger or not? In some ways, it can be classified in this category, but, nevertheless, it is a social network. However, its developers have released the VKontakte mobile application, where you need to log in by entering the username and password that you use on the site. Then you will have access to all the functions of this service.

Classmates

Another social network that has its own application for the phone, and therefore, just like VK, can be conditionally classified as Internet messengers. The terms of use are the same: you log in using your username and password, and you can use the program to communicate with friends via phone, tablet or computer.

Messengers Megafon

What are messengers on Megafon? This is a unique service that is perfect for users who actively communicate in various messaging programs on the Android platform (and not only).

So, if you are used to using mobile traffic other operators cellular communication at full power, then when exchanging messages using many instant messengers from the above reviews, you will have to spend significant amounts of money on constant replenishment of bonus megabytes. Megafon offers its own application for communication, which does not require mobile traffic consumption at all, and, accordingly, Money.

The essence of such an application is as follows. If you download and activate it, then even when communicating in other popular instant messengers, mobile traffic will not be taken into account by the operator. Thus, Megafon actively cooperates with such messengers as WhatsApp, TamTam, Facebook, Viber, eMotion and Telegram. The choice, as you can see, is wide, so you can easily find the best option for yourself.

Thus, we have studied in detail the issue of what applies to instant messengers and how to use these applications correctly. Now let’s make a brief summary to consolidate the results.

conclusions

Communication through social networks and special mobile/computer programs has many advantages. You can easily contact anyone, even on the other side of the globe, and, in most cases, absolutely free.

We have examined in detail the most popular instant messengers for communicating via the Internet, and now it will be much easier for you to make your choice. Use all the features of these programs to the maximum, and communicate with your friends, family and friends with pleasure!

Those who have recently begun their acquaintance with the Internet often come across previously unknown words and terms that are not used in offline life. Today I will try in simple words tell what a messenger is on a phone and on a PC, what this program is used for, how it functions, as well as what features messengers from different developers have.

Messenger - what is it in simple words

Messenger is a program (application) for instant messaging over the Internet. Messengers can use text, pictures, videos as messages; some applications support transferring files of any format.

The predecessors of instant messengers are Email and telephone SMS.

But mail is not that fast. Usually, email clients Check incoming emails every few minutes. This is inconvenient for quick communication, so mail is used more often for writing large letters.

Compared to modern online messengers, SMS is too expensive, and the functionality is very outdated (even emoticons cannot be sent normally).

Messengers use the Internet to transmit data, and it is now inexpensive, even if you take into account mobile tariffs.

Messages are exchanged instantly, the user writes a phrase, presses a button to send, and his interlocutor reads the message a split second later.

Most communication applications not only quickly transmit messages, but also show in real time the status of contacts in your address book - you can see who is online and will receive your message immediately, and who is not online.

In addition, most representatives of this class of applications allow you to make voice calls over the Internet, and some support video calling.

Summarizing the main functions of instant messengers:

1. Instant messaging;
2. There is no fee for communication, except for Internet traffic;
3. Ability to transfer text, pictures, videos, arbitrary files;
4. The ability to conduct voice and video conversations without additional communication fees;
5. Show the status of the interlocutor;
6. Save correspondence history.

How messengers work

Most users see only the client part of the messenger - this is either a program on a computer or an application on a smartphone (tablet). Meanwhile, all messengers are connected to their own servers - information is stored there and data is processed. The server part ensures the security of logins and passwords, allows you to find contacts even when their owners are offline, etc.

Each of the messengers works using its own data transfer protocol, and these protocols are rarely compatible. In my memory, I have only come across applications twice that could combine messages from different networks - these were Qip infinum and Mail.ru Agent - once they could even support the Skype protocol.

But everything is tied to money, and the developers of each messenger strive to ensure that users install only their applications (there you can insert an advertisement or offer some paid function).

Therefore, different messengers are almost always incompatible and in order to communicate, people have to install several applications at the same time.

Which messenger is better to use?

So we, friends, have figured out what a messenger is on the phone and on the computer, now the question arises, which one is better to use. Looking ahead, I will say that there is no clear answer. When choosing a messenger you need to look at unique features each of them - which is more convenient for you personally in terms of functionality, as well as what is mainly used by the majority of people with whom you need to keep in touch - it’s one thing if you need a “light” client that takes up little space, another thing if you need it constantly organize video conferences.

Let's look at the most popular instant messengers on the Russian-speaking Internet.

Viber - a universal messenger

The brainchild of Belarusian developers was initially available only to iPhone owners, but after some time versions for Android and Windows appeared. The application works on both mobile phones and personal computers, so with Viber you will always be in touch.

Viber accounts are linked to a number mobile phone, which makes it very easy to search for people through a standard address book.

Viber is not just a messenger for messaging - it is a full-fledged means of communication with a full set of all modern functions. He can:

• Send text, image and video messages;
• Create group chats, bringing together several people in one conversation;
• Make free video calls between service contacts;
• Automatically retrieve Viber contacts from your phone's address book;
• Behind additional fee allows you to make calls via the application to regular phones at cheap rates;
• Create public group chats with the ability to search them;
• Stores correspondence history and all transferred files.

Skype - family messenger

Skype originally appeared as a program for personal computer and was focused on voice and video communication between users. But with the spread mobile devices, a mobile application for this messenger was also created.

Skype messenger allows you to do almost everything you can think of, but it has one drawback - the program is “heavy” (takes up a lot of space) and seriously loads the device, so most people use it only on desktop PCs for calls.

Skype features:

• Audio and video calls to users from the contact list;
• Calls to regular phones for a fee;
• Group video and audio calls;
• Sending text messages via chat;
• Transfer any type of file, even to users who are not online this moment(files are uploaded to the messenger servers);
• Storing message history.

WhatsApp - modern and functional

This messenger is an application very close in functionality to Viber. The WhatsApp account corresponds to the phone number, the contact list is taken directly from notebook phone.

The main purpose is to quickly send messages from mobile devices - chat. Unfortunately, WatsApp has several disadvantages compared to its competitors:

• No desktop version;
• There is no ability to create open public chats;
• It is not possible to call regular phones.

Otherwise, this messenger is not bad, it can:

• Send text, graphic and video messages;
• Supports group chats;
• Allows you to make audio and video calls to other WhatsApp contacts;
• Store correspondence history;
• Show delivery and reading times for messages.

WhatsApp, like Viber, consumes little Internet traffic, as it was originally developed as a messenger for mobile phones.

Telegram - a secure messenger

The youngest of the described messengers, but despite its youth it has already taken its rightful place in the market. Telegram was developed by Pavel Durov (one of the creators of VKontakte) and was initially positioned as a secure means of communication.

According to my personal assessments, this product is more aimed at a commercial audience, where it is necessary to conduct group discussions and information leakage cannot be allowed. Secure protocols and all kinds of settings, up to automatic deletion messages after a given period of time provide all this.

In Telegram, it is possible to create channels and conduct a one-way broadcast of messages in them - only the author writes, the rest read - this is a kind of analogue of subscribing to updates, such as email newsletters (only no one will send spam, since the subscription is done only in person).

Unfortunately, there are no calls in Telegram, that is, you cannot communicate via this messenger by voice, which makes it inconvenient for casual family conversations between grandmothers and grandchildren or parents with children - where you really want to hear and see your interlocutor.

Telegram messenger has a version for different types devices and can be installed on both a computer and a smartphone from any operating system.

Other messengers

There are many programs for communication, and the list of worthy ones is not limited to the four described. It’s just that other applications are less popular and your friends most likely do not use them.

To the interesting programs one could add the above-mentioned Mail.ru Agent, Qip, as well as ICQ, Facebook massenger. But it only makes sense to choose them if you have interlocutors.

How to install messenger

The installation method depends on which device and which messenger you want to install on.

Installing messenger on PC

For computers, you will need to go to the developer’s official website and download the distribution that matches your operating system. Here are the links:

• Official website – www.skype.com/ru/get-skype/ – .
• Official site - www.viber.com/ru/products/windows/
• Official website – telegram.org/apps

Then you run the installer and do everything it says step by step.

Installing messenger on your phone

With a phone, installation is even easier, go to the application store ( Google Play, Play Market, App Store), in the search enter the name of the desired messenger - Viber, WhatsApp, Skype or Telegram.

Clicking the “Install” button will add the application to the device, and then you will simply need to log in if you already have a login and password or create a new account if you have not registered before.

Now you know everything about instant messengers - what they are, which one to choose and how to install on your device, and I hope that thanks to these programs you can always stay in touch and be closer to your family and friends.

It’s paradoxical, but true: with all the variety of messengers, you usually don’t have to choose them - people simply use the same thing as their friends and acquaintances. But what if secrecy really matters? In this article, we will go through the list of modern instant messengers and see what protection guarantees each of them has.

Recently there was a poll on “Hacker”, and the most popular answer (Telegram) was seriously alarming. How far has it gone when even the average Hacker reader has already lost touch with reality after being attacked by a marketing headcrab (pictured)?

We've compiled a list of instant messengers to see how each of them fares with security. The selection included both popular and promising programs in terms of security. We warn you that we will delve into the technical side as much as is necessary for the average user, and no further.

In many ways, we followed the path of the authors of a series of articles by the Electronic Frontier Foundation called Secure Messaging Scorecard, but we chose other criteria - in our opinion, more important.

Criteria

FOSS

Is it distributed? source messenger under one of the free licenses? If so, is it open source mining? How closely do developers interact with the community? Do they accept pull requests? All this is important to consider when choosing.

Degree of centralization

One of three options is possible here:

Possibility of anonymous registration and use

For some services, a phone may only be needed to protect against spam during registration; therefore, it is very easy to use number rental services for SMS.

In other cases, the messenger is tightly tied to the phone. This is bad because if it is not turned on two-factor authentication, then when you gain access to this number, you can log into your account and merge all the data. But even if two-factor is enabled, it is still possible to delete all data from your account. And of course, this is, consider, registration using a passport (we use the realities of the Russian Federation, others were not brought in).

But it is not all that bad. There are instant messengers that allow you to register using mailbox or account V social network. There are also those where you can create an account in the messenger itself without being tied to anything.

Availability of End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)

Some instant messengers have this feature by default, in others you can enable it, but there are also those where there is simply no end-to-end encryption.

E2EE chat synchronization

Again, this function is not yet available as often as we would like. Its presence greatly simplifies life.

Notice to verify E2EE fingerprints

When starting E2EE chats, some messengers offer to check the fingerprints of the interlocutors, others do not openly offer this. But not all instant messengers have a fingerprint verification function.

Prohibition of taking a screenshot of a secret chat

Not the best useful feature, because to bypass the ban it is enough, for example, to have a second phone at hand.

Group E2EE chats

E2EE group chats are usually not a necessary feature, but they are very convenient. The rule “more than two - speak out loud” should be left for children.

Notification about the need to verify E2EE fingerprints in group chats

When adding a new interlocutor, with whom the fingerprints have not been verified, to a secret group chat, not all instant messengers offer to check his fingerprints. Because of this omission, the meaning of secret chats is lost.

Protecting the Social Graph

Some instant messengers collect information about the user's contacts and other data, such as who the user called, how long he talked. There is a thread on this topic.

WWW

We have selected only some of the criteria that can play a role when choosing a messenger. There are others, but they are not always related to security. A group of scientists from European universities did a good job of putting everything into perspective in their work Obstacles to the Adoption of Secure Communication Tools (PDF). It is also always useful to review the results of an independent audit, if available. For example, in the case of Signal, such an audit was carried out (PDF).

Telegram

License: formally - GPLv3. However, an important part of the development is closed. If you look at the repositories, you can see that recently there has been some movement only in the web version. Alas, in this form it is rather an illusion of openness
Degree of centralization: centralized
No
Availability of E2EE: implemented, but as an addition. By default, chats are not encrypted
Synchronization of E2EE chats: No. Secret chat can only be used from one device; it will no longer be accessible from another
No. Users can go into the settings themselves to compare fingerprints
yes, but does not work on all devices
E2EE Group Chats: No
Social graph protection: No

The messenger, created by Pavel Durov's team, is built on MTProto correspondence encryption technology. At the moment, it is partially blocked in Russia, but this blocking is a separate topic for discussion.

The messenger is ambiguous. There's a lot of hype around it, but is it justified? There is no access to the source code, chats are not encrypted by default, there is no social graph protection (all your contacts are stored on Telegram servers), there are no group E2EE chats, E2EE chats are not supported in the desktop version of the program, only in the mobile version, the messenger is centralized, messages are stored on the server (and they, as already noted, are not encrypted), and with all this there is no possibility of anonymous registration.

If you want to use Telegram, then don’t forget to create secret chats to protect your correspondence. In the mobile version, you need to select the New Secret Chat command. Of the desktop versions, only some support secret chats (for example, one of the two clients for macOS).

In a secret chat, messages are encrypted and are not stored on the messenger servers. You also cannot take a screenshot of a secret chat, but nothing prevents you from taking a photo of such a chat from the screen.

Signal

License: AGPLv3
Degree of centralization: centralized
Possibility of anonymous registration and work: No. There are no other options other than a phone number.
Availability of E2EE: There is
Synchronization of E2EE chats: There is
E2EE Fingerprint Verification Notice: No. Users are encouraged to scan each other's QR codes or compare fingerprints
Prohibition on screenshots of secret chats: can be turned on or off
E2EE Group Chats: There is
Notice about the need to verify E2EE fingerprints in group chats: No
Social graph protection: There is

The Signal messenger was developed by the American startup Open Whisper Systems, where, besides the two founders, only a few people work. To encrypt messages, a cryptographic protocol created specifically for it is used - Signal Protocol. It is used for end-to-end encryption of calls (voice and video), as well as regular messages. The Signal protocol has since been used by other instant messengers: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Google Allo.

It would seem that in this case, any messenger can become as safe as Signal. But, as practice shows, no. Unlike Signal, where encryption is turned on by default, these messengers have it turned off. To enable it, you need to activate Secret Conversations in Facebook Messenger, and Incognito Mode in Google Allo.

Although Signal is centralized, the code is open and distributed under a free license. Signal has support for E2EE group chats, social graph protection, and supports timed disappearing messages.

However, protection should not be confused with anonymity. Signal is not anonymous: when registering, you need to indicate the phone number to which the messenger is linked. As for disappearing messages, this feature is also found in other messengers, for example in Viber and Telegram (in the secret chat menu you need to select the Set self-destruct timer command).

Top 15 messengers

More and more people are switching from regular calls to instant messengers.

Why? The answer is simple.

This technology is much faster, more convenient and, most importantly, cheaper.

But which messenger to choose in 2019? Which program offers its users more features?

In order to answer the above and many more popular questions, we decided to make our own TOP 15 instant messengers for phones in 2018-2019.

Telegram

The first application we would like to analyze is Telegram. Its creator is a well-known person - Pavel Durov.

Pavel at one time created the most famous and popular social network in Russian Federation and the CIS, which is called.

Unfortunately he had to sell this network Mail.ru company. It was after this story that he decided to create a telegram.

This program differs from all others in its security.

Using this application, you don’t have to worry about anyone taking possession of your data, be it scammers or federal special services.

It is also worth noting that this application has cloud storage.

This is easy to do; you just need to open a chat with yourself and send the desired file.

Download

Mts connect

It provides all the usual communication functions: chats, group chats, file and location transfer, calls over the Internet and to landline/mobile phones.

MTS subscribers can call Russian numbers from abroad via Wi-Fi at the same prices as at home.

There is no video connection yet. On the other hand, you do not pay for Internet traffic when calling MTS Connect in Russia.

Download

Skype

The Skype program is familiar to many users.

It was developed more than ten years ago, but only recently the application became available on mobile platforms such as Android and iOS.

All the most famous functions are available to users here:

It is worth saying that the program is completely free. It is available from stores such as:

• AppStore;
• Google play;
• And others.

The application can run from either mobile network, and by connecting.

Many users notice that mobile version Skype is not much different from computer.

Download

What's app

The next mobile manager we would like to pay attention to is WhatsApp.

The program is completely free and publicly available. Presented here a large number of various stickers.

The program absorbs minimal amount traffic.

It is worth noting that if we talk about security, WhatsApp on April 5, 2016 enabled end-to-end encryption in all versions of its application, which made it possible to no longer worry about the safety of your data.

The application is available on all the most famous platforms, and there is also a web client.

Download

Viber

It works exactly the same as the previous messenger, but has a number of positive features. One of them is the ability to call regular numbers.

When you run the program for the first time, in You will need to log in by entering your mobile number phone.

After this procedure, the contact list will be synchronized. The mechanism is well known from WhatsApp, so we will not dwell on this in detail.

In Viber you can send text messages and also call other users, who also have this application installed on their phone.

Using Viber you will be able to send photos, audio and video files.

You can also use stickers that are freely available.

Download

Hangouts

Hangouts was born not so long ago; the developer of this application is a company called Google.

The program replaced the well-known Google app Talk.

The popularity of Hangouts is explained by the fact that developers closely associate it with the Android operating system.

It is worth noting that this program is for the most part one of the applications that are installed by default on any Android phone.

In essence, Hangouts is no different from the messengers we previously discussed.

It is worth noting that to enter the program you need to enter the login and password of your Google account.

If it is not there, then you need to register it, because this service serves as a kind of identifier.

Many users believe that Hangouts is the best mobile messenger of 2017. It exists on the two most famous platforms: IOs and Android.

Download

Line

Another messenger I should tell you about is Line. Unfortunately or fortunately, this program not so popular in the Russian Federation and the CIS.

But in all European countries and in the United States of America, the application has crowds of fans.

There is everything for comfortable communication here:

• Text messages;
• Audio messages;
• Video messages.

Download

Facebook Messenger

Facebook messenger allows people who are users of one of the world's most popular networks to call and send messages to their friends, family and acquaintances.

It is worth noting that this program is approaching the number of downloads of WhatsApp.

The popularity of the program is explained by its integration with Facebook.

Unfortunately, this application is not so popular in the Russian Federation, because it is thriving here.

To log into the application, you must enter the login and password for your account on facebook.com.

If we consider Facebook Messenger directly as a program for sending messages and making calls without regard to the region, there should be no problems.

You can not only correspond with people from your contact list, but also add new ones through search in the application.

Initially, the address book is formed from two main sources - phone numbers in the device directory and friends on.

Download

Snapchat

Snapchat is a program that contains a fairly large number of different functions.

Some even claim that this application is a complete .

Therefore, the fact that we included Snapchat in the TOP 15 best instant messaging apps of 2017 may seem a little strange.

This application is completely different from the programs described earlier. The very specifics of transmitting various content are interesting here.

One of the main functions of Snapchat is the transfer of photos that were previously taken on a mobile phone camera.

It is worth noting that before sending a photo you can edit it, and after a while the photo is automatically deleted from the correspondence.

Snapchat has a whole set of stickers that you can always use, it is also possible to attach photos and pictures to any dialogue, there is audio and video communication.

You can use this program completely free of charge; all you need is a connection to the World Wide Web.

It is worth noting that there is a function for creating group chats and various broadcasts.

Download

Imo

Imo is another messenger that allows you to perform standard procedures, such as sending text and voice messages, audio and video calls.

You need to understand that the user does not need to pay for the program itself, but is only charged for the Internet according to the standard tariff set up by you.

Imo did not gain popularity in the Russian Federation and the CIS, which made the application developers very upset.

But the program is one of the top in Western countries.

To enter this application, you must enter your mobile phone number, which will receive a standard SMS message with a code.

It is possible to add contacts from your address book, but the likelihood that you will find anyone there is extremely low.

But you can send a message to anyone in your address book with an invitation to join this messenger.

Download

ICQ

Now I would like to analyze the most popular messenger of the 2000s, which lost its crowds of fans about ten years ago.

At one time, fans of this application nicknamed it ICQ.

It is worth noting that at the moment the program has functions such as audio and video calls, but, unfortunately, this did not help. And the application remained at the bottom of the rating table.

Downloading the messenger to your phone - ICQ - is not a problem, you just need to go to the appropriate store and click on the “download” button.

To start using the program on Android and IOS, you must first log in.

You can do this by entering your number cell phone, which will receive the code. The program will also ask you for this code.

Many people note that if a person was registered in ICQ earlier, then in this case you can do without confirming the code via message.

Unfortunately, we were unable to verify this fact.

It is necessary to understand that ICQ provides integration with the address book of a mobile phone, which allows you to quickly find people by their numbers.

Many users who have sat in ten times this application, will be surprised by the new design of the program.

ICQ has become a truly modern messenger. This is evidenced by both the application style and functionality.

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Whatshelp

WhatsHelp is a messenger that allows you to conduct a dialogue with your clients. This service was invented exclusively for business.

Here it became possible to process orders, provide support, and send messages to your clients through instant messengers with collaboration tools.

How can you use WhatsHelp for business?

• Receiving and processing orders using instant messengers, answering customer questions in real time, personally and privately.
• Customer support organization via WhatsApp, Telegram or FB Messenger. Create shortcuts such as “/balance” for auto-retrieval and self-service.
• Informing clients using push notifications about order status, technical work or new content.

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Emotion

In January 2019, Funtome joined the ranks of mobile instant messengers, which attracted the attention of all lovers of emotional communication on the Internet, because the application is partially entertaining in nature and offers its users alternative way correspondence: using pictures.

So far, not a single truly popular messenger has been blocked in Russia, so now all Russians have a very wide choice of means of communication for every taste and color. Today, based on data from the Mediascope activity meter, the top 10 most popular instant messengers in Russia, used by all residents of the country, were named. This information sheds light on which messenger is more popular than the other and by how much specifically in terms of numbers.

The purpose of the study was not to determine the most popular instant messengers in Russia, but to find out the general user base of the Veon service, which was launched by the Beeline operator in July 2017, making it available to all subscribers. Experts wanted to find out how many Russians are actively using it more than three months after its launch. All data that was collected by the Mediascope service is current as of October - there is no more recent information yet, and there will not be until the beginning of 2018.

The researchers found that the general base active users Veon messenger, which received and features, as of October 2017, is 748 thousand people. All of them are residents of Russia in the age category from 12 to 64 years. Such statistics allowed this means of communication from the Beeline operator, which he very actively advertised everywhere, starting from federal television channels and video hosting YouTube, to win very impressive prices. short term positions.

Top 10 most popular instant messengers in Russia:

1. WhatsApp - 22 million users;
2. Viber - 18.9 million users;
3. Telegram - 7.3 million users;
4. Skype - 6 million users;
5. Facebook Messenger - 1.8 million users;
6. Hangouts from Google - 815.7 thousand users;
7. Veon - 748 thousand users;
8. ICQ - 693.7 thousand users;
9. Google Talk - 508.5 thousand users;
10. "Mail.Ru Agent" - 505.6 thousand users.

As you can easily see, the most popular messenger in Russia is WhatsApp, but Viber is close on its heels, which is actively used on a regular basis by almost two tens of millions of Russians. Telegram closes the top three most popular means of communication, and Skype is in fourth position. Although he is in the top 5, his audience is shrinking every month, so he may soon fall out of it if he has worthy competitors.

The number of active users of the Facebook Messenger, which is designed for communication within the world's largest social network, looks simply ridiculous - less than 2 million people. Communication service Hangouts from Google has an even more modest audience - only 816 thousand people. In seventh place is Beeline's Veon, the number of users of which is growing quite actively every month. Following it are ICQ, Google Talk and “Mail.Ru Agent”, which, as a rule, are used by people of the old school. They are in no hurry to change them to something more modern.