Zoho, an Indian technology firm, has introduced Arattai, a messaging and calling application poised to compete with WhatsApp in the Indian market. The app provides a range of features, including voice and video calls, group chat functionality, channel creation, story sharing, and online meeting capabilities. Immediately after its launch, Arattai surpassed WhatsApp to achieve the top position in social networking apps. The company emphasizes that the app is designed for optimal performance, even on devices with limited resources and under weak network conditions. This article examines Arattai’s notable features and contrasts them with those of WhatsApp.
Arattai allows users to engage in direct one-on-one chats, participate in group chats, and exchange media. The application supports the sending of voice notes, images, videos, and documents. Voice or video calls can be initiated directly from the chat interface.
In addition to basic chat functionalities, Arattai incorporates advanced features such as group discussions, dedicated channels, story sharing, and meeting scheduling. Users are able to schedule online meetings, assign co-hosts, and configure time zones. The application can be utilized on desktop platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux) and Android TV devices.
The company claims that voice and video calls on Arattai are fully end-to-end encrypted. However, messaging encryption has not yet been fully implemented. Users are recommended to avoid sharing sensitive information until a secure encryption update is available. Installing the latest version will improve security and optimize performance.
Android users can find and install Arattai Messenger (Zoho Corporation) through the Google Play Store. iOS users can download it from the Apple App Store. Alternatively, both Android and iOS versions can be accessed on the official website.
Upon installation, users will be prompted to verify their mobile number using an OTP. The app will subsequently request access to contacts, the camera, and the microphone. An account is activated by completing the profile setup with a name and photo. Arattai automatically synchronizes contacts, and non-users can be invited to join via SMS.
Key differentiators of the Arattai app include:
1. Online Meetings Support: Unlike WhatsApp’s limitations to calls and group chats, Arattai offers meeting scheduling and co-host functionalities.
2. Android TV Support: Arattai provides native support for use on larger screens, while WhatsApp lacks official TV support.
3. Performance on Low-End Devices: Arattai is optimized to operate smoothly on slower networks and basic smartphones, where WhatsApp may experience performance issues.
4. Channels and Stories: Arattai integrates channels and stories, providing users with advanced broadcasting options not available in WhatsApp’s status feature.
5. Desktop and Multi-Platform Access: With support for Windows, macOS, and Linux, Arattai provides enhanced accessibility. WhatsApp also offers web and desktop applications, but it does not support Linux.