Hike, an Indian mobile messaging app has sent out a new updated version 2.2 that adds support for four new languages – Spanish, French, Russian, and Portuguese. The messaging service has already more than 5 million users and is looking to expand aggressively by increasing its language support each month according to a company spokesperson. Hike is available worldwide on iOS, Android, WP and S40 devices. The company has also launched Hike for BB users now along with the new update.
Hike’s new version 2.2 will have a unique feature ‘Hike Offline’ where users can even send messages even if they have no internet connection. Messages will be converted to SMS automatically for delivery and will not require a data connection.
Following in the footsteps of its competitors like Viber and Line, Hike has also launched new stickers with shaper images to depict “expressions, rage faces, and has some localized stickers targeted specifically at the Indian market”. The stickers are free right now but the company plans to monetize this feature in the future.
Commenting on the update, Kavin Bharti Mittal, Head of Product and Strategy, BSB said: “At BSB, we’re constantly thinking on how to re-invent messaging, make it simpler and easier to use in a mobile-first world. The latest update is a great example of how we’ve put that thinking into action. We’ve handcrafted some really fun and expressive stickers that we believe will add a lot more character and fun to messaging especially amongst the youth.”
Another new features added in the Hike v2.2 is a mode called Last Seen, which allows users to share their status “when they were last online” with a few chosen friends. The walkie-talkie feature has also been improved. This feature makes messaging easier for the Indian users who can’t use an English keyboard.