Hike Messenger
 | |
Screenshot
A screenshot depicting Hike's user interface Hike Messenger, running on Android | |
| Initial release | December 12, 2012 |
|---|---|
| Preview release | |
| Operating system | iOS Android Windows Phone BlackBerry OS Symbian |
| Available in | Multilingual |
| Type | Instant messaging |
| License | Freeware |
| Website | get |
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Hike Messenger (stylized as hike messenger) is a cross-platform instant messaging service for smartphones that uses the internet for communication. In addition to text messaging, users can send each other graphical stickers, emoticons, images, videos, audios, files, voice messages, contacts and location.
Hike was launched on 12th December, 2012 [6] and raised its first round of funding of $7 million from Bharti SoftBank in April 2013. Hike is a joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and Softbank.[7]
History
Launched on 12th December, 2012, Hike attained 15 million users in February 2014 and raised $14 million for its development.[7] Over the next few months, the application introduced free text messaging anywhere in India, chat themes, updated stickers, hidden chats and revamped user interface. In August 2014, Hike hit 35 million users and raised another big round of funding - $65 million - led by Tiger Global.
Hike Messenger made its first acquisition, buying free voice-calling company Zip Phones, which will allow it to launch free app based calling services that are emerging as a key draw for users[8]
Apart from basic social messaging means like photos, videos and audio files, Hike allows users to "nudge", a feature used to ping the receiver. In addition to that, the application supports chat themes, graphical stickers, PDF files and Microsoft Office files, and allows users to hide an individual chat or group for extended privacy.
Privacy
Hike uses a 128-bit SSL encrypted, firewalled server for the exchange of media and text messages only on wifi. Messages are stored locally in the user's device and the data is not backed-up to Hike's server.[9]
References
- ^ "hike messenger". Play Store. Google. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
- ^ "hike messenger". Windows Phone Marketplace. Microsoft. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
- ^ "hike messenger". BlackBerry World. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
- ^ "hike messenger". iTunes Store. Apple Inc. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
- ^ "hike messenger". Ovi Store. Nokia. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
- ^ "Hike Launches Globally". Bharti SoftBank. December 12, 2012. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
- ^ a b "BSB invests $7 million in free messaging app 'hike' – after it crosses 5 million users in just 4 months". Bharti SoftBank. April 25, 2013. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
- ^ "Hike Messenger buys Zip Phone to offer Internet calls". The Economic Times. January 9, 2015. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
- ^ "Security". Bharti SoftBank. Retrieved 6 October 2014.