Skype co-founder Janus Friis has a new project afoot with Wire, a new communications platform that technically does not really rival his former company, but actually improves on it. Built for both mobile and desktops, it is a cross-platform tool for exchanging messages, pictures, HD audio and other rich media, with a more modern UI but a more solid infrastructure behind it.
Wire can be used both for individual, personal messaging, as well as group chats. All conversations will be synced across all devices you use, from smartphone to tablet to laptop to desktop computer. The team that worked on this app comprises various product and technology leaders from Apple, Nokia, and Microsoft so you can expect a more dynamic and technologically sound app. Maybe this is what Skype would be like if it had been built today.
While it still does not have Skype’s video calling capability (which is one major reason why some users still actually use it), you can make audio calls on Wire, using an in-house developed audio technology. Hopefully, this more solid way of calling will get rid of the call quality and connection problems that Skype users experience on a regular basis. But we can also expect Wire to have video calling soon, especially if they want to catch up with its competitors.
So do we really need a new communications platform with all our Hangouts, Vibers, LINES and all? Well, it never really hurts to have new competition in the market. The design is elegant and will probably appeal to younger users who are used to swiping and pulling down, rather than those who rely on navigational aids. If you want to try it out, you can download Wire for free from the Google Play Store.
SOURCE: Wire
Tox is in development too, but bad news is that there is no working mobile client yet.