Popular messaging service Viber today updated its iOS app to version 4.2, bringing a redesigned user interface for iOS 7 in addition to various new features. The app now includes multiple media sharing that allows users to send multiple photos and videos at once, in addition to the ability to block users and send longer video messages. A cross platform typing indicator has also been added.
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- Completely redesigned for iOS 7! The new look and feel is consistent with the aesthetic of iOS 7 that iPhone users have grown accustomed to.
- Multiple media sharing in one flow. No more back and forth media sharing! Now you can send and edit up to 10 photos and videos at a time!
- Block list. Users can now block contacts they do not know and those that they do not wish to be contacted by. To learn more about managing your block list, click here.
- Send longer video messages. You can now send videos of up to three (3) minutes long.
- Typing indicator. Know when your contacts are typing a message to you on Android tablet, Linux, Mac, PC or Windows 8.
- Bug fixes.
According to the most recent statistics, Viber has over 105 million monthly active users and receives 550,000 sign ups daily. The service was acquired by Japanese Internet company Rakuten in February for $900 million, and launched a new desktop application for Mac and PC last February.
Viber is a free download for iOS devices and can be downloaded through App Store. [Direct Link]
Top Rated Comments
It is far easier to make a brand new iOS 7 app than it is to throw out an existing custom design, recode the interface to match iOS 7 and then ensure no regressions are created. You can't just swap it out, you have to code the new interface in.
It doesn't take days, it takes many months to do it properly.
Also, "iMessage" is a service. Messages in the app you are using. Your texts to non-Apple users are reaching as a SMS and not as an "iMessage".
iMessage only works between Apple devices. Viber/WhatsApp works for all devices. If everyone you communicate with has Apple devices then you are not missing out on anything.
I’ve heard from one developer that it’s not as straightforward as people think it is, especially if you intend to support older versions of iOS as well. Not to mention that it’s still a bit of a challenge to make a good flat design. I’ve seen lots of apps who just don’t do it good enough. It’s an investment nonetheless and Viber was working just fine.