Viber App Review

Free voice and video calls and messaging

Viber is a VoIP tool that allows smartphone users to make free voice and video calls worldwide and share free instant messages with multimedia attachments. It's a popular communication app in certain regions of the world, but it has always remained in the shadow of Skype and WhatsApp.

Viber Pros and Cons

Pros
  • No need to register with usernames and passwords or aliases.

  • Unlimited free voice and video calls and text messages to other Viber users.

  • Group text messages.

  • Cheap calling to landline and mobile numbers.

Cons
  • Not as popular as it used to be.

  • Relatively poorer quality than Skype and WhatsApp.

  • Does not offer secure and private communication.

With over a billion users, Viber is one of the key players on the market. It uses your mobile number to identify you on the network and allows you to communicate using VoIP for free, bypassing your mobile carrier. Viber Out allows you to make calls to non-Viber landline or mobile numbers at cheaper VoIP rates.

The app is available for most platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and BlackBerry. Viber also has a web browser version so that you can remain connected while on your computer.

Viber logo

Viber / Wikimedia Commons

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How Do You Sign Up for Viber?

You do not need to register or sign in when using the service. Once you download the app to your device, you are asked to enter your phone number and are given an access code through SMS, which you enter on activation. You are then identified through your mobile phone number.

Users in some regions and with certain operators might find that the service is blocked because apps and services like Viber compete with mobile carriers.

How Does Viber Work?

The app integrates with your phone's address book. Each time you make a video call or send a text message to a contact, you are prompted to either place a regular call (or SMS) through your mobile carrier or use Viber. Before initiating anything, the number is verified to see if it is registered with Viber.

Group messaging is another thing that is widely used on Viber. The app allows you to select and add contacts from your address book for participation. Viber also allows you to send photos and map locations.

Does Viber Require an Internet Connection?

Viber does not use your GSM architecture and service to channel the calls and messages, so you need an internet connection through either Wi-Fi or a data plan. Calls remain free if you use Wi-Fi, but you will then be limited in mobility. When you use your data plan on the move, take into consideration that you would be paying for each megabyte of data used.

Final Verdict

Viber makes it easy for individuals who have different devices to communicate with each other on one platform. Viber is especially useful for corresponding with people in other countries since it uses the internet for calls and messages. It's a great tool for when you're traveling abroad, or if you make a lot of international calls.

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