In a move that will likely incur the wrath of Chinese telecom operators, WeChat now offers free calling apps for users in China and around the world. From Tencent, WeChat (known in China as Weixin) is the country's most popular messaging app. Dianhua in China and Lighttalk internationally will allow people to make free calls using the Internet.
The VoIP free calling apps let you make free phone calls using WiFi or data. In addition to high-definition quality calls, the WeChat features (which essentially become standalone apps) include voicemail, phone book and even group SMS chat. To use in China, you must have a WeChat account. If you live elsewhere, the app will import contacts from your phone's address book without an account.
Standalone Free Calling Apps
WeChat's VoIP Apps Let You Make Free Calls Using the Internet
Trend Themes
1. Free Voip Calls - The rise of standalone free calling apps, like WeChat's Dianhua and Lighttalk, provides a disruptive innovation opportunity to telecom operators to reevaluate their business models.
2. HD Quality Calls - The increasing demand for high-definition quality calls signals an opportunity for tech companies to develop new software to improve VoIP call quality.
3. Standalone App Features - The inclusion of voicemail, phone book, and group SMS chat in standalone free calling apps paves the way for startups to create all-in-one communication apps that integrate multiple functions.
Industry Implications
1. Telecommunication - The telecom industry is facing disruptive innovation as free calling apps continue to gain popularity worldwide, prompting operators to reconsider their pricing strategies.
2. Technology - The rise of standalone VoIP free calling apps like Dianhua and Lighttalk creates innovation opportunities for tech companies to develop software to improve call quality and encryption.
3. Mobile App Development - The inclusion of extra features in standalone free calling apps creates opportunities for startups to integrate diverse communication forms and develop all-in-one communication apps.