The desktop versions are tied with a user's registered Viber mobile number, but can operate independently afterwards. In 2015, a version for the iPad tablet and Apple Watch smartwatch was released. Features Viber was originally launched as a VoIP application for voice calling. On 31 March 2011, Viber 2.0 was released which added instant messaging (IM) capabilities. In July 2012 group messaging and an HD Voice engine were added to both Android and iOS applications.Today, users can send several kinds of media files including photos, videos, GIFs, files, audio messages, and stickers. Stickers In December 2012 Viber added 'stickers' to the application. In October 2013, Viber 4.0 was announced featuring a sticker 'market' where Viber would be selling stickers as a source of revenue. Viber Out In addition, version 4.0 introduced push-to-talk capabilities, and Viber Out, a feature that provides users the option to call mobile and landline numbers via VoIP without the need for the application. Voice support was officially added for all Windows Phone 8 devices on 2 April 2013. In September 2014, Viber 5.0 was released and introduced video calling. Public Accounts, Chatbots, and Communities In November 2016, Viber version 6.5 launched Public Accounts to allow brands to engage in promotion and customer service on the platform, with initial partners including The Huffington Post, Yandex and The Weather Channel. The app integrates with CRM software and offers chatbot APIs for customer service. Viber Communities, an enhanced group chat feature, was introduced in February 2018. Group calling was introduced with version 10 in February 2019. Communities have an unlimited number of participants, compared to group chats that have a maximum of 250. Viber communities are protective of their users' privacy since neither superadmins nor admins can see members’ phone numbers. Also, members who enable private messages can contact each other while keeping their numbers hidden. In October 2020, Viber launched message statistics to go along with Community insights. These statistics offer Community admins the ability to see engagement levels with the content they post to their Communities. Today, many different kinds of chatbots are also available on the app, including those providing essential information, quizzes, and more. See also Comparison of cross-platform instant messaging clients Comparison of VoIP software References External links IOS software Android (operating system) software Proprietary cross-platform software Instant messaging clients VoIP software VoIP services VoIP companies BlackBerry software Companies based in Luxembourg City Windows