Anyone who’s been following the news of iMessage knows that Apple has some plans for the new app that look to rival cross-platform messaging apps like WhatsApp and Viber. In fact, WhatsApp’s founder even called Apple out on the new features via Twitter:
very flattering to see Apple “borrow” numerous WhatsApp features into iMessage in iOS 8 #innovation
— jan koum (@jankoum) June 2, 2014
But it’s not just messaging apps that could be affected on the iOS platform. Indeed every app on the platform could see some usage changes as a result, including Voxer.
We were fortunate enough to speak wth Aniyia Williams, Voxer’s Marketing Manager, about iMessage and the change in landscape according to the popular push-to-talk service, at it turns out that iMessage isn’t as big of a threat as many other media websites would like to claim it is.
iMessage is limited to Apple platforms while Voxer is cross-platform
First of all, as Williams pointed out, iMessage is limited to Apple platforms, while Voxer is cross-platform, able to keep those on iOS in addition to Android and Windows Phone (not to mention, of course, its web application) connected seamlessly. This, of course, bodes well for those embracing the full freedom of BYOD and it also means being able to keep in touch with friends across platforms without SMS, something that iMessage cannot do (simply because Apple won’t allow it).
“Our focus is targeted toward business and providing messaging and push to talk to companies across the world,” Williams told us, pointing out that iMessage would affect the customer side of the spectrum, though only a limited portion of it since it’s not cross-platform.
Voxer is also quick to point out that it operates its service across a “protected and secure network,” which enables company communications to be kept safe. iMessage, on the other hand, means the messaging content is less secure, says Voxer. Voxer also includes a “courier stamp” by way of its geo-stamped messages. And hey, Voxer lets you block someone from contacting you.
Voxer stands out because of its live messaging in real-time
Of course, Voxer believes it stands out the most because of its live messaging in real-time (who can forget Voxer’s instantaneous communication efforts this year?) rather than messages having to be downloaded, listened to, recorded, uploaded and then sent like iMessage.
So for Voxer, it’s business as usual: continue pushing quality across the web, Android, Windows Phone, and iOS, and keep the experience seamless for its users, no matter what their platform preference might be.
Do our readers think Voxer or other apps should be worried about iMessage? Let us know in the comments below or make your voice heard in our Forums.