The exchange of letters and telegrams is a thing of the past. Nowadays, it is almost impossible to imagine your life without smartphones and other gadgets. Consequently, messages and correspondence occur electronically, using applications such as instant messengers, which we will talk about today. A messenger is, in simple words, a special program or application that is installed on an electronic medium for exchanging messages between interlocutors. This trend in the world of the Internet and communication on networks has made people’s lives much easier.
There is no need, as before, to wait for several days, or even weeks or even months, for a response from the interlocutor, and if this message is urgent, there is no need to go to him, especially if we are talking about a long distance.
Also, messengers are very helpful in conducting business, or rather negotiating with employees, partners, and suppliers. This is somewhat reminiscent of the working principle of CRM, only even more convenient. For this, in fact, you need a messenger.
Messenger: what is it?
A messenger is a special application or program that is downloaded and installed on a smartphone or computer. Its main purpose is the instant exchange of text messages, photos, pictures, videos, documents with friends, relatives, acquaintances, work or study colleagues. You can also make calls using audio or video.
The word "messenger" comes from the English "messenger", which means courier. Messages are exchanged instantly, in real time. Messages are sent to the other party immediately after the sender finishes typing, editing and clicks on the send button. But at the same time, the recipient of the message must be in touch, otherwise the message will have to wait until he also launches his messenger and pays attention to it.
If the user has unlimited Wi-Fi, then all messages, as well as audio or video calls using the messenger will be free , unlimited in time and quantity.
If the Internet on your smartphone is mobile, with limited traffic, then it is better to exclude video communication, because the entire monthly paid limit may quickly run out.
Many people know that SMS and calls via regular cellular and mobile communications are often paid. But it’s hardly possible to give up mobile communications and switch completely to instant messengers. The fact is that usually to register an account there you need to confirm your phone number via SMS.
In addition, many acquaintances use different messengers or do not use these services at all. You will still have to communicate with such subscribers by phone and via SMS messages.
Definition
Messenger is an instant messaging system between users on a computer or smartphone.
The word messenger means “courier” or “messenger” in English. It is in the translation of the word “messenger” that the basis for the definition of this phenomenon lies. Let's move on to the concept of messenger - what is it in simple words?
To understand in detail what a messenger is and why it is needed, it is worth noting the features of such programs:
- Messages are exchanged via the Internet, data is not transmitted over the GSM network;
- Most often, such programs are free – you only have to pay for the traffic used;
- Only users of the same program can use the messaging feature. If you want to share a picture with a friend, for example, on Skype, he must install Skype on his PC or smartphone.
In 2022, messengers on mobile phones became free - almost all tariffs of leading operators require unlimited traffic included in the tariff plan.
Key Features
Let's list what functions instant messengers have:
1 Text messaging is the simplest option, like SMS;
2 The ability to attach an emoticon, photo, picture, document, video or other necessary file to a message - a kind of analogue of email, but only working online;
3 Creating a group of users for communication on interests, work, study - collective communication and even distance learning;
4 In some messengers you can record a voice message and send it, or there is voice typing - convenient for those who do not like to type text manually;
5 It is sometimes possible to make a call from a messenger to a friend’s mobile phone or even to a landline phone - usually for an additional fee.
6 Developers are constantly working to improve instant messengers, equipping them with new functions, for example, the presence of a cloud server or the ability to conduct video conferences.
By the way, messengers are trying to provide the ability to archive chats, so that if something happens, you can restore correspondence and negotiations. This may be needed, say, when changing a subscriber’s phone number.
Why SMS has faded into the background
More recently, about 5-7 years ago, everyone was actively corresponding via regular SMS. The tariff of any operator included a certain free number of message sendings.
Over time, cellular companies increased the cost of one SMS to 2-3 rubles, this is not much, but imagine how much would be paid out daily on the account without WhatsApp or Viber? Exactly. So many.
In addition, in order to send a long message, the system automatically divides it into 2-5 parts, and for each we have to pay separately, as for a new one. There is no need to talk about photos or videos, MMS are an order of magnitude higher and either do not reach the recipient or take a very long time.
Since these times, user loyalty to SMS has sharply weakened, and messengers began to appear, the interface of which was designed in such a way that everyone could use them. A pleasant addition to this is open access to downloading on any device and free of charge.
Nowadays, SMS is used only by those who communicate little or those who do not have modern mobile phones because they do not support an Internet connection.
How to use messengers
To start immediately writing messages to your friends without any restrictions, just download the selected messenger. To do this, you need to open the Google Play application for Android, the App Store for Apple, or the Microsoft Store for Windows Phone. Then you need to enter the name of the messenger in the search bar. After this, you will need to click on the “Install” button.
During installation, contacts from the smartphone are usually transferred directly to the application. At the same time, the user sees which of his contacts already have the same messenger installed on their phone. This greatly facilitates the possibility of further communication with him using this messenger.
Video “How to download WhatsApp on an Android phone, install and use. For beginners"
Five most popular instant messengers
Recently, many different systems for exchanging information have been invented. Let's look at 10 (ten) popular instant messengers, indicating the official sites from where they can be downloaded and installed.
"Whatsapp". What it is? Distinctive features of the program
After Viber, quite a large number of people use the WhatsApp messenger. This application is also very simple. There is also such a function as file transfer and voice messages. Many people have at least two applications installed, one of them is the WhatsApp messenger.
This is due to the fact that sometimes one of them may slow down for various reasons, while the other works fine. Therefore, if the information does not go away in one application, then you can use another. Provided that the same application is installed on the interlocutor.
WhatsApp messenger icon
The most popular program is WhatsApp.
Official website https://www.whatsapp.com/?lang=ru
Main functions available:
1 Can be downloaded and installed on Android, iPhone, Windows or Mac computers - easy to download and install.
2 Messaging using an Internet connection: Wi-Fi or mobile. Depending on the operator and tariff chosen, data charges may apply - I have not encountered this.
3 Group chat, in which you can exchange messages, photos and videos simultaneously with 256 participants - really convenient.
4 Audio and video calls are a complete analogue of telephone and video communications, but only using the Internet (free and unlimited via Wi-Fi, paid when using mobile Internet traffic). In this case, the mobile phone is used exclusively in operating mode via the Internet, and not via cellular communication.
5 WhatsApp Web client for computers - you can install an application on your computer that will synchronize with WhatsApp on your mobile phone. Then you can communicate with friends and acquaintances using the keyboard and computer monitor, although communication will be provided by a mobile phone.
It is convenient to communicate via a smartphone using an audio or video call. For many people, text messages are more convenient to type and send using a computer or laptop. WhatsApp chats are easily synchronized across all devices.
6 File exchange: photos, videos - quick data exchange without resorting to email.
You can also take a photo using the built-in camera on your smartphone and instantly send the photo or video. Even with a slow Internet it works well.
7 Documents – sending “attached files” also without resorting to email, directly using the messenger.
You can send any file up to 100 Megabytes: PDF, document, presentation, spreadsheet, etc. It is important here that the recipient can open the attached files on his phone or computer so that he has the ability to view these files. Otherwise, the recipient will not be able to see what was sent to him.
8 Voice messages - you speak, but they don’t listen to you right away, but listen to the sent message when the opportunity and time for this arise.
You can quickly record a voice message and send it immediately. Suitable for those who like voice communication, but do not like typing text messages. But it is not suitable for those who do not like to listen to sent messages. Such messages will not find a grateful listener; they simply will not be listened to.
How does messenger differ from SMS messages?
Both SMS and instant messengers are designed to send messages, but that’s where their similarities end. The messenger works via the Internet, and to send and receive SMS you need access to a cellular network.
When a user sends messages via messenger, he only pays for Internet traffic, and a fee is charged for each SMS. There are, of course, tariffs from mobile operators with an SMS package, but their number is still limited, and through the messenger the user can send as many messages as they want without any restrictions. In addition, the traffic consumed for messages via Viber, Telegram or WhatsApp is relatively small.
Through the messenger you can send a message to anywhere in the world almost free of charge, but SMS to another country can be expensive.
By the way, mobile operators, seeing the growing popularity of social networks, are trying to retain customers with new tariffs with unlimited WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram and other instant messengers.
Using instant messengers, you can transfer not only text messages, but also voice messages, images, documents, audio and video files. In addition, users have access to voice and video calls, which are free. And the SMS format is used only for sending short messages.
Through instant messengers you can send large messages to your interlocutors, but in SMS the number of characters is strictly limited. Even small text ends up being split into several messages, which is inconvenient.
Most instant messengers allow you to see the user's status, but SMS does not have such a function.
Although SMS messages are increasingly losing popularity to instant messengers, sometimes you can’t do without them.
Firstly, there are still many owners of old push-button phones that do not support instant messengers.
Secondly, SMS helps out when there is no Internet. There may not be stable Internet outside populated areas, but cell towers are now available almost everywhere.
Thirdly, SMS is used by banks, security and emergency services and other organizations.
Viber
Viber
Viber official website: https://www.viber.com/ru/
Video: How to install viber on your phone
Viber features:
1 You can install Viber on your phone and computer. There are quick video and audio messages. Convenient if you do not want to enter text using the keyboard.
2 Send messages, photos, videos and other files.
3 Audio and video calls, and the sound is promised in HD quality.
4 Stickers and GIFs (GIFs). They are unusual on Viber.
5 Communities. The number of users is not limited.
6 Chat add-ons. You can search and send videos, music and more directly from the chat.
7 Delete sent messages. They say that the word is not a sparrow: if it flies out, you won’t catch it. Still, I really want to delete some messages.
8 Synchronization between smartphone and computer.
Skype
Official website https://www.skype.com/ru/
Skype has the following features:
1 Voice and HD video calls. This is possible in one-on-one conversations and in groups.
2 Instant messages. It is possible to add funny reactions to messages. You can leave a voice or video message in the chat.
3 Screen sharing. From your screen, you can show presentations, photos and other materials during a call. Others will see your screen as if it were their own.
4 Call recording and automatic subtitles. These subtitles allow you to read spoken words.
5 Phone calls. You can call mobile and landline phones. But such calls are paid. Communication will be free only using an Internet connection.
6 Video or audio conferences supporting up to 50 users. At the same time, all other features, such as screen sharing, are preserved.
7 Access on any device. There is a web version of Skype.
Differences from social networks
Social networks and instant messengers are not the same thing. What are the main differences between the two categories of programs?
- Internet messengers are a simplified version of social networks, intended mainly for communication. User capabilities are limited to correspondence, calls and document exchange;
- Social networks are programs with extended functionality. Users not only communicate - they have the opportunity to play, earn money, turn on media players, and read news.
We discussed in detail what a messenger is and how to use it, and found the difference from social networks. Finally, we’ll touch on ways to find and download suitable software.
Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts messenger icon
Official Hangouts website: https://hangouts.google.com/?hl=ru
Hangouts is a free service for messaging, audio and video calls, and even live video broadcasts with friends. The maximum number of participants in such broadcasts is 25 people.
This universal means of communication at a distance was proposed by Google.
You can sign in to Hangouts using your Gmail email. Another option to use this messenger is the official Hangouts website above.
There is also a Hangouts extension for the Google Chrome browser. There is a Hangouts app for your phone. On Android, such an application is often built-in; it does not even need to be specially installed.
Advantages
In addition to the above applications, there are a large number of other instant messengers through which you can communicate. Everyone chooses the most convenient option for themselves. However, popular applications are very convenient because almost all people have them installed. Therefore, when exchanging contact information, you don’t have to specify whether a particular short messaging application is worth it. As a rule, everyone has Viber. It is worth saying that many users send postcards and congratulations through such messages. No need to waste time on telephone conversations. The big advantage is that these applications belong to the category of free instant messengers.
There are also secret chats between some people. They are used for secret correspondence. It is also very convenient for conducting negotiations that should not be made public. These could be negotiations that relate to business, or personal relationships between people that should not be publicly visible.
Telegram
Telegram messenger icon
Telegram https://tlgrm.ru/
The developer of the application is Pavel Durov, founder of the social network VKontakte.
Telegram features:
1 Telegram messages are encrypted and have a self-destruct timer.
2 The application can run in the clouds. Allows you to chat on different devices (including online).
3 Free. No advertising, no paid subscriptions.
4 Safe. Keeps messages safe from hacker attacks.
5 Powerful. Does not limit the size of messages and attachments.
6 There are audio calls, but no video calls.
7 You can create bots and public channels.
8 Since April 2022, restrictions have been imposed on the use of the messenger in Russia. Now they have been removed, you can use Telegram.
9 Telegram has a web version, you can use the messenger on your smartphone, computer and any other device. In this case, all messages are synchronized.
My Telegram channel: @compgramotnost
Five more messengers
Many users use several messengers. They abandon some over time, while others are constantly present on their devices. Everyone acts in accordance with their wishes and capabilities.
There are a huge number of different messengers. Below we will look at 5 more fairly common services on the Russian Internet.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like everything in this world, there are pros and cons.
There is only one main drawback: messengers take a long time to communicate, personal meetings are increasingly becoming an outdated format.
Attention! In our age of global networks and eternal lack of time, messengers partially compensate for social passivity during live communication. Alas, that's all. It is easier for us to call or write than to meet in person, even among family and friends. We increasingly prefer virtual communication to live communication.
Advantages:
- you can quickly contact anyone on the globe if you have a telephone or the Internet;
- allow you to create attractive mass mailings;
- messages will come to you instantly;
- thoughtful customer support;
- bots and messenger marketing;
- you can create or join thematic group chats;
- the ability to create closed channels where you can invite people you are interested in.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook messenger icon
Official website https://www.messenger.com/
This service is integrated, that is, inextricably linked with Facebook.
Service capabilities:
1 To communicate, you can simply send a message. No need to exchange phone numbers. You can communicate on different devices.
2 It is possible to add stickers, emoticons and send gifs (GIF files).
3 Photos and videos. Can be done using the Messenger camera, add a filter or picture and send to friends.
4 Groups. In groups you can conduct surveys, share location, send money to each other, etc.
5 Voice and video calls. You can communicate via voice or group video chat.
6 Voice messages that can be recorded instead of text and sent.
7 Games. You can play with friends.
Viber application. What it is? Distinctive features of the program
What are the popular instant messengers? The most popular application among Russians is Viber. This messenger is installed on almost every mobile device. Groups for communication are created here, to which you can add users from your contact list. It is possible to make video calls and send files. Recently, you can create public accounts in the program. This means that any company or brand can make their own account. After which they can send out advertising information or about any promotions to people whose contact information is in their database. The main advantage of this public account is that clients have the opportunity to communicate two-way. That is, when a person receives a message on Viber from a store or beauty salon, he can ask questions and clarify any information. For example, about the timing of the promotion or the possibility of attracting other people. A person can ask anything he is interested in and get an answer. Such communication is very convenient, since it does not oblige you to anything. A question arose - I asked it and received an answer. For companies, such communication is also an important point, since it becomes possible to track how people react to a particular advertising campaign.
It is worth mentioning that business chats can currently only be added to users through a request. That is, a person can unsubscribe from such messages. For companies, public chat is free. If a person has subscribed to these messages, then you can use automated techniques to track his interest in a particular message.
Yandex Messenger
Web version of Yandex.Messenger: https://yandex.ru/chat#/
It is also available in Yandex.Browser, on the Yandex home page, in the Yandex application for Windows and macOS, for Android and iOS.
Yandex.Messenger has:
1 Personal messages and chats.
2 Voice calls and video calls to mobile devices and computers.
3 Audio messages with automatic voice recognition and voice-to-text conversion.
4 News and information channels.
5 Quick reactions and stickers.
Translation of voice messages into text: the voice message will be sent as an audio recording, to which a text will be attached - a transcript. Messages are recognized only in Russian, the length of the message is no more than 10 minutes of conversation.
Video “Yandex Messenger: review”
Distinctive features of the Telegram program
You can use hashtags here. This is a very convenient feature for more advanced users. In addition, you can address a specific user with @.
The peculiarity of using hashtags in this application is that they can only be used in Latin. If you make a hashtag in the Telegram messenger, then all the information where this link was mentioned will appear in the browser. This is very convenient for the communication process, as it reduces the time spent searching for the necessary information; just insert a hashtag into the correspondence, and the participants in the conversation will have access to data on this topic.
ICQ (ICQ)
ICQ is an abbreviation for the English I seek you - “I am looking for you.” This is a free instant text messaging system for mobile and other platforms with support for voice and video communication.
Official website https://icq.com/
ICQ is a long-lived service that appeared in November 1996. And the latest version was released on April 6, 2022.
ICQ Features:
1 Available on all platforms: computer, smartphone. There is a Web version. To avoid sharing your number, you can provide a nickname.
2 You can translate voice messages into text, as well as forward, delete, edit messages, and reply to several messages at once.
3 It is possible to replace text with a sticker, and send photos and videos without compression. You can choose what to save on your device.
4 The messenger will analyze the text of the message and offer a quick response with text or sticker.
5 There is a showcase of popular channels and groups.
6 Correspondence is synchronized between all devices.
7 You can call via audio or video.
8 It is possible to communicate in huge group chats with up to 25,000 participants.
Popular messengers. Development trends
Today, there is a noticeable trend that people have begun to use instant messengers more often than social networks to communicate. This is due to the fact that the conversation moves at a faster pace. There is a forecast that suggests that in the near future, companies’ business pages will switch to instant messengers. In this regard, some applications have already introduced public accounts into their functions. Most likely, in a few years, few people will log into Facebook or other social networks. Live communication in instant messengers with companies will be more in demand. This is due to the fact that people do not have enough time to sit on social networks and watch information about certain companies or business projects. It is much easier to open your mobile device, go to the chat and get answers to your questions there.
Many people find it easier to write a short message than to make calls or spend hours at the computer.
Facebook messenger is also used a lot for communication. As a rule, people communicate with foreigners here. This application includes a file transfer function and various stickers. There are filters for photos. You can also create a chat and communicate with several users at once.
