Other apps that are similar to WhatsApp

BANGALORE, INDIA: Last week, a problem that was unheard of hit the popular free messaging and file sharing application WhatsApp. The users' status message was displayed as ''Error: Status unavailable''. What this lead to was a lot of panic with hoax messages on the same being circulated. Although the problem has now been fixed, it has left many users shaken. ''Whom to blame for this? The users or WhatApp team? Personally, there is a failure from the back-end team...This is not the first time for WhatsApp. Hope they take care of it in future!,'' said a user on CIOL. ''If this keeps up, I'll switch,'' said another user. If you too want to consider other free messaging apps, then take a look at these:

Viber: With a rating of 4.4 on Google Play, this free calls, messages and file sharing app is hugely popular. ''Viber lets everyone in the world connect. Freely. More than 90 million Viber users call, text, and send photos worldwide - for free,'' says it's description on Google Play. ''Best way to talk for free. Clear voice. Network coverage good. One thing, it keeps getting stuck once in a while. Although I manage but still would prefer you look into it,'' says a user review. To check out this app, click here.

Skype: You can send instant messages and make free Skype-to-Skype video calls via this app. ''Free voice and video calls to anyone else on Skype, whether they're on an Android, iPhone, Mac or PC,'' says its description. Users can send pictures, videos and files to any of their contacts, according to Skype. However, ''I've uninstalled and reinstalled a few times now on my xperia ray. Works fine for a little while, then starts randomly signing me out before eventually refuses to sign me in. Extremely disappointing. Update for new version November 2012: just spent 2 hours trying to sign in! No improvement,'' says a user review. To check out this app, click here.

Tango: Users can make free video calls, free voice calls, send free text messages, and send free video messages and pictures via this app according to the developers of Tango. ''Love this app, it has minor problems but nothing too bad, it's helped me a great deal be able to see loved ones I otherwise wouldn't get to see at all,'' says a user review. To know more about this app, click here.

Go SMS Pro: This Android app enables users to send free SMS and MMS. It has got an average rating of 4.4 on Google Play and ''You had all five stars with me until you'll updated now my scheduled messages won't send and I tried everything! Fix that and you'll have your five stars back with me,'' says a user review. Click here to learn more about this app. There are many more similar Android apps available on Google Play. However, do you feel that WhatsApp is still the best out of the lot? Do let us know. In the meanwhile, feel free to add to the list.