Wi-Tribe, the no.1 ranked company in terms of quality by PTA, recently unveiled Pakistan’s first ever, locally developed communication application for smartphones. The app, available on the play-store by the name of Hi App, was made available to the public at the recently held ITCN Asia 2014.
The app, positioned against Skype, Line, Viber, Google Hangouts and other voice communicating applications, features voice communication between groups on smartphones – via the internet – and landline – via Wi-tribe scratch cards and credit cards – the users would have to recharge their accounts through these options to avail the landline calling service, just like Skype. File sharing service and instant messaging is also available to facilitate content sharing, including voice messaging. Another interesting which set this app apart from others is its feature to invite anyone/add anyone in an ongoing conference call, a feature Google Hangouts consumers have been anticipating from long.
Just like Whatsapp, the user interface is quite simple to navigate through. Since the app is still in beta phase, expect some technical issues at first, but I must admit, the whole experience of using the app was quite extra ordinary, maybe because I like the fact that it’s made with love in Pakistan. It’s a right step forward in the right direction. They have now gained a comparative advantage in the voice calling business, something which was previously not thought about, especially with FIA keeping a tight eye on the LDI infrastructure.
Speaking at the launch of the Hi App, Ali Fahd, CMO at Wi-tribe, said “It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we bring this cutting edge technology, offering smart communication solution to users of all age brackets and diverse communication needs. At its current beta launch phase we urge our local users to show their support for this indigenous and innovative app by downloading and using Hi App. Your feedback and encouragement will help make Hi App the No. 1 communication app in the industry and make all fellow countrymen proud.”
It’s too early to say about the extent of competition “Hi App” is going to face from the local market, or even from international players. But, with all the positives going in favor of the application, and considering the option of local recharge for voice calling, if the call-rates are as competitive as the local rates, then we just might have found a local alternate to Skype. Hopes are high.
So, go ahead and download the Hi-App (currently available for Android) via https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wt.hiapp and provide your feedback to the developers. Remember, the application is still in Beta-Phase, it will improve through feedback, constructive feedback.
