In India’s messaging world, where apps like WhatsApp and Telegram have been dominating for years, a new homegrown messaging app is gaining attention. It is called Arattai, developed by Chennai-based Zoho Corporation. The app was launched in 2021 and has seen a huge surge in popularity, emerging as a notable Indian alternative for messaging and calling.
What does Arattai mean?
The name “Arattai” comes from Tamil and means “casual chat.” This reflects the app’s goal: to provide a simple, user-friendly platform for everyday conversations while keeping user privacy in focus. Zoho, known for its Made-in-India ethos, has positioned Arattai as a secure and reliable messaging solution for Indian users.
Key Features of Arattai
Text, Voice, and Video Messaging
You can send text messages, voice notes, photos, videos, and documents. The app supports both one-on-one chats and group conversations.
Stories and Channels
Arattai allows users to share temporary updates through Stories and broadcast messages to a larger audience via Channels.
Multi-Device Support
You can access your messages across smartphones, desktops, and even Android TV. It ensures a seamless experience across devices.
Low-End Device Compatibility
Arattai is optimized to run smoothly on devices with limited processing power and in areas with unreliable or low-speed internet, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Arattai’s Pocket feature makes it really interesting. It offers a dedicated self-chat space where users can store photos, videos, notes, reminders, and other files. This provides a convenient way to organize personal content, such as to-do lists or saved media, without cluttering other chats. Unlike WhatsApp, where they use their solo chat for the same purpose.
Privacy and Security
Voice and video calls on Arattai are end-to-end encrypted. Text messages are not encrypted yet, but the team is actively working on enhancing security features to offer a fully secure communication platform in the future.
Why Arattai Stands Out
While it shares many features with other messaging apps, Arattai stands out because it is made in India and focuses on privacy and simplicity. It offers a reliable alternative for users looking for a secure, user-friendly platform.
