Line vs WeChat

2016. WeChat launched Enterprise version



The Chinese messaging platform WeChat has introduced its latest offering, WeChat Enterprise, a free office chat application. Currently, it is exclusively available in Chinese and can be accessed through iOS, Android, Windows, and OS X apps. WeChat Enterprise incorporates various features that will be familiar to users of business chat applications, along with some noteworthy innovations. This service has the potential to replace group emails and facilitate seamless and efficient communication among colleagues. Additionally, it offers convenient add-ons such as the ability for employees to indicate their break times, conduct group voice/text chats, and allows companies to incorporate specific functionalities like automated forms for expense reimbursements, vacation requests, and similar tasks.


2016. Messenger Line introduced bots



Developers now have the capability to create bots for the messaging app Line. Initially, Line is limiting the availability of these bots to a trial period with just 10,000 slots, operating on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each bot will be restricted to serving 50 friends or accounts, indicating that this is primarily a testing phase before a wider release. As of now, there are limited features for end users, but with developers having access to the technology, we can expect Line bots to be introduced in the near future. Additionally, Facebook is anticipated to announce the opening of its Messenger platform for bots at its upcoming F8 event.


2016. Messenger Line now allows to create group calls with up to 200 friends



Mobile messaging service Line has been offering one-on-one video and voice calling for a while. Now, it has introduced support for group voice calls with the capability to accommodate up to 200 participants simultaneously. This new feature appears to target business users, as Line aims to replace certain enterprise calling systems. By providing such functionality, Line sets itself apart from competitors like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. Despite Messenger's billion-plus active users and its existing video and voice calling capabilities, and WhatsApp's recent addition of voice calling and rumored upcoming video calling feature, neither platform currently supports large-scale group calls. Therefore, Line's latest update brings attention to its calling feature.


2016. WeChat adds VoIP international calls



Chinese Internet giant Tencent's popular messaging app, WeChat, is entering the international telephone calling arena, posing a challenge to Skype. Initially launched for users in the U.S., Hong Kong, and India, the new service called 'WeChat Out' will gradually expand to other regions. Setting itself apart from WeChat's existing voice and video calling features, 'WeChat Out' enables users to make calls to actual phone numbers, including both mobile and landline numbers, not limited to WeChat users only. To kickstart the service, WeChat is offering an initial $0.99 credit, equivalent to approximately 100 minutes of calls, but the exact pricing beyond the promotional credit is yet to be disclosed.


2015. Messenger Line adds end-to-end encryption



Japan-based messenger Line has made an important announcement for its mobile messaging service, which boasts a massive user base of over 211 million people worldwide per month. The long-awaited implementation of end-to-end encryption, called 'Letter Sealing', is set to enhance the security of messages and features within the service. Initially, this encryption will be available for one-on-one chats and the location-sharing feature across Line's mobile and desktop apps. It's important to note that the encryption feature will only be active when all parties involved have it enabled on their devices. Currently, users need to manually activate encryption by navigating through menus, which may affect the initial rollout. However, Line has plans to make it the default setting for all users in the near future, starting with those who have a single Android device registered to their account. Furthermore, Line intends to expand encrypted sealing to its desktop version and other operating systems gradually as well.


2015. Messenger Line intoruced Launcher app for Android



Line, the popular Japanese messenger, has unveiled an Android launcher app with a range of features. This launcher app allows users to personalize their wallpaper with stickers and customize the appearance of app icons. Additionally, it includes widget shortcuts, utility apps, and an integrated search function. The Line launcher also offers app recommendations for users to download and introduces enhanced notifications for the core Line chat app. Currently, there appears to be limited integration between the launcher and the messaging service, but future updates are expected to optimize this aspect. The introduction of an Android launcher app makes perfect sense for Line as it not only helps reach users who may not regularly utilize the messaging app, especially considering that half of its active user base comes from Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand, but it also has the potential to further engage its existing active users.


2015. Messenger Line launches business version


Messenger platform Line has introduced a new offering, enabling brands, SMEs, and other business users to leverage its platform for effective communication with customers and consumers. The Line@ app, available on both iOS and Android, serves as an enterprise-oriented version of Line's popular chat app. It seamlessly integrates with the existing chat service, allowing the exchange of messages with regular Line users and the ability to post content on the social network-like 'Timeline.' However, Line@ is specifically designed for interacting with individuals who are not friends but rather clients, customers, or fans of the business. While the new service is free to utilize, Line charges users for a searchable vanity ID, priced at $24 for the first year and $12 subsequently. Free accounts are limited to sending 1,000 messages per month. For higher usage, users can opt for a paid plan, which costs $50 per month for 50,000 messages, with additional messages beyond the bundle incurring a fee of $0.01 each.


2015. Line acquired online payment service WebPay



The mobile messenger Line is strengthening its payments service, Line Pay, through the acquisition of the Japanese startup WebPay. Currently, Line Pay is integrated into Line's primary chat application and is primarily used for purchasing digital goods within Line's platform. However, Line has plans to expand its payment service to encompass other online sites and services, and this is where WebPay plays a crucial role. WebPay is a service similar to Stripe, facilitating secure and convenient payments on e-commerce sites, mobile apps, and other web-based services. With the acquisition of WebPay, Line aims to enhance Line Pay's capabilities and provide users with broader payment options across various online platforms.