Zoho, a prominent Indian tech company, has released Arattai, a new messaging and calling application intended to compete directly with WhatsApp in the Indian market. The app offers features such as voice and video calling, group chats, dedicated channels, stories, and online meeting capabilities. Shortly after its debut, Arattai surpassed WhatsApp to become the top social networking app in app stores. The developers assert that Arattai is engineered to perform efficiently even on lower-specification devices and in environments with unreliable network connectivity. This article highlights Arattai’s key features and provides a comparative analysis with WhatsApp.
Arattai enables users to engage in one-on-one conversations, participate in group chats, and exchange media files. The application supports the transmission of voice notes, photographs, videos, and documents. Users can initiate voice or video calls directly from within their chat windows.
Beyond its core chat functionalities, Arattai integrates advanced capabilities such as group discussions, dedicated channels, story sharing, and meeting scheduling. Users are empowered to schedule online meetings, designate co-hosts, and configure time zones. The app is compatible with desktop operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) and Android TV.
Zoho states that voice and video calls on Arattai are end-to-end encrypted. However, messaging encryption is still in the process of being fully deployed. Users are advised to exercise caution and refrain from sharing confidential information until the comprehensive encryption measures are implemented. Upgrading to the latest version of Arattai will enhance security and performance.
Android users can locate and install Arattai Messenger (Zoho Corporation) through the Google Play Store. iOS users have the option of downloading the app from the Apple App Store. Additionally, both Android and iOS versions are accessible through the official Arattai website.
Following installation, users are required to verify their mobile number by using a one-time password (OTP). The app will then request permissions to access contacts, the camera, and the microphone. Account activation is accomplished by creating a profile name and uploading a profile picture. Arattai automatically synchronizes contacts, and it can dispatch invitations via SMS to users who are not yet registered.
Key features that distinguish Arattai include:
1. Online Meetings Support: In contrast to WhatsApp, which is limited to calls and group chats, Arattai provides the functionality to schedule meetings and assign co-hosts.
2. Android TV Support: Arattai offers native support for use on larger screens, whereas WhatsApp does not offer official TV support.
3. Performance on Low-End Devices: The application is optimized to perform smoothly on less powerful devices and in environments with intermittent network connections, a contrast to WhatsApp’s occasional performance limitations.
4. Channels and Stories: Arattai incorporates channels and stories, providing users with more comprehensive broadcasting capabilities than WhatsApp’s status feature.
5. Desktop and Multi-Platform Access: With support for Windows, macOS, and Linux, Arattai provides improved accessibility. WhatsApp offers web and desktop versions, but it does not provide native support for Linux.
