WindUp App, Snapchat Alternative, Snapchat for Windows Phone

Windows Phone users don’t have an official Snapchat client yet (though there are whispers of one being planned in the near future). The best Snapchat client on the store is Rudy Huyn’s 6Snap, which is nearly identical to the official version but also includes some exclusive features, making it arguably better than the original.

WindUp messages can be set to expire after length of time or number of views

Now there’s another alternative for those on Microsoft’s mobile OS to consider, and it comes directly from Microsoft Research. Called WindUp (via), even though it’s not a Snapchat client, it does behave like one as can be seen from the fact that it lets users send “fun, temporary” messages and media to their friends who are also utilizing the app.

As with Snapchat, you can decide how long the receiver will be able to view the message before it expire, but you can also set it to expire after a certain number of views.

So how does the app get its name? The description reads:

“Set a low limit to “wind up” your friends as they race to see what you’ve posted, or set the limit high to make your message last longer.”

WindUp lets you share pictures, videos and audio snippets, as well as text. You can give WindUp a spin by downloading it via the Windows Phone Store.

Update: Microsoft says WindUp is for non-commercial, research purposes only and is not meant to be a true competitor to Snapchat

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By Josh Robert Nay

Josh Robert Nay is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of TruTower. He has worked in the telecommunications industry since 2003 and specializes in GSM based technology. He also uses (too many) VoIP apps and is a long-time user of BlackBerry, Android, and Windows Phone. He adores anything having to do with space exploration and writing. In addition to the links below, he can be found on LinkedIn and can also be found on his website at http://www.joshrobertnay.com.