Viber has released its new version, giving users three major updates to the platform. The new version features new instant video messages, chat extensions that lets users access 3rd party services and quickly search for stickers, and redesigned emoticons with a fun new look.
Instant Video Messages
With just a quick press and hold, users can now start recording a video message for their friends. The new feature is built right into the chat window and is accessed with quick swipe on the voice message button. Users can quickly toggle between voice and video messages, letting them chat with their friends just the way they want. Instant Video Messages in Viber will be presented as circular videos and limited to 30 seconds, keeping them light, simple, and fun.
Chat Extensions
Users can now access 3rd party services right from Viber. The new version features support for Giphy, Wikipedia, and TheMovieDB, with more being added on a continuing basis. Accessing these services will be easy – users just need to tap “@” and chose the service name followed by a search query. In addition, users will be able to access Viber’s collection of playful stickers the same way. So just typing @stickers or tapping the@ symbol will let users quickly start a search for their favorite stickers.
“Viber is a feature rich platform that gives our users multiple ways to communicate with each other. Instant Video messages give users a simple and personal way to chat, and with the addition of Chat Extensions, our users will be able to access a wide variety of external services that will enrich their experience on Viber even further,” said Michael Shmilov, COO of Viber. “We look forward to adding support for even more 3rd party services and are excited to hear from the developer community about connecting their products with Viber.”
Redesigned Emoticons
On top of the new features, Viber has redesigned all of the emoticons available in its app. The new images were designed with a flat, colorful esthetic that gives them a visual pop and makes them way more fun.
The updates will give Viber users significant new ways to stay in touch with their friends and contacts, and open up the platform to even more possibilities with the addition of 3rd party services. The new version is now available on Android and iOS.
