Viber Goes Video on Mobile Platforms, Finally
Viber, the popular multi-platform mobile communication app bought by Rakuten in Japan for a cool $900 million is expanding into mobile-based video calling.
Video calling is nothing new for desktop users of Viber who have enjoyed having this option for some time now on Windows PCs and Macs. The mobile versions have undergone two years of experimental testing on iOS and Android in order to get it right. The Viber CEO, Talamon Marco, now feels that they are ready for prime time on the mobile too.
Even on slow internet connections some kind of video experience can be expected though the speed of the connection will translate into slower frame rates and picture degradation. The better the connection on both ends, as well as the megapixel capacity of each front-facing camera, the better the video calling experience will be.
Viber 5.0
The release of Viber 5.0 for iOS and Android also adds QR codes in order to quickly share contact information. This takes things to a whole new level when meeting someone new in a club, you cannot hear the phone number she's yelling into your ear, but just swap QR codes on Viber and you're connected instantly. No more deafness. Neat.
Continuous Improvement
More is to come for Viber through the remainder of 2014. The next step forward will be in the games arena (could this be in-game audio sharing for people playing against each other online via mobile, PC or Mac?) and the other improvements are currently still under wraps.
Rumor has it that a major e-commerce push is on the cards for Viber, especially since their pricey acquisition where the new shareholders are likely looking to increase their return on investment for the video calling app company.
Same CEO In Place
Despite the big Viber sale to Rakuten, the CEO remains at the helm guiding development at the mobile communications company.
Mobile Voice Calling Not New
In many ways Viber have been behind the curve on this latest development. Apps like Skype, Line, WeChat and others have offered video calling from mobile devices for ages now. The mobile communications space continues to hot up with other rivals keen to benefit from either the ad revenue or the revenue from paid higher-quality calls that some customers will need.
