The scramble for a WhatsApp alternative became a thing soon after WhatsApp pulled the rug from under the feet of BlackBerry, Nokia Symbian, S40, Windows Phone 7.1, Android 2.1 and 2.2 users.
In retrospect, this decision was inevitable, seeing how Symbian and BlackBerry OS are no longer the mobile powerhouses of yesteryear. In that regard, an online petition on ipetitions.com to stop WhatsApp from abandoning BlackBerry10 doesn’t appear to have gained traction so far.
This is obviously not the end of the world for a cross section of WhatsApp users who will simply swap out their old phones for newer models and it’s business as usual.
For some users quite attached to their gadgets for one reason or another though, this is the end of the line. Why not take this time to test these chat Apps below and see which might actually be a suitable WhatsApp alternative when push comes to shove.
Alternative to WhatsApp
WeChat is an instant messaging App also known as Weixin (which means ‘micro message’ in Chinese) that was released in 2011 by Chinese company Tencent. WeChat boasts of over 650 million active users (an estimated 70 million outside China ) and supports Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Phone and Symbian phones.
WeChat provides the usual smartphone experience such as instant messaging, image and video share, broadcasting to multiple contacts, and location sharing among others. The fact that WeChat supports the all platforms a number of which will soon not be supported by WhatsApp is an added bonus.
Nimbuzz
Nimbuzz is one of the few Apps that still support instant messaging in Java-based non-smart phones. It has a Free call feature for other Nimbuzz users and Discounted regular calls to most locations worldwide.
Founded in the Netherlands, Nimbuzz moved house to India in 2012 and opened branches in Brazil, Argentina and USA. Nimbuzz supports all major platforms – Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Symbian, Windows Phone & J2Me as well as Windows and Mac desktop computers.
Nimbuzz used to support adding Instant Messaging communities like Facebook and Gtalk and that might still be the case though we couldn’t find the option on our test Smartphone running Ice Cream Sandwich. Please tell us if you’ve had any luck.
eBuddyXMS
eBuddyXMS is the child that ate its parent. eBuddy Chat was a popular multi-protocol Instant Messaging App bundling Facebook Chat, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk, AOL and ICQ into one chat interface. eBuddy Chat was replaced by eBuddyXMS in 2013 which got rid of the multi-protocol IM client in favour of their own chat platform.
Apart from the usual instant messaging, images,emoticons, videos, location, and more, eBuddyXMS incorporates an interactive Poll into Group Messaging that group members can contribute to for a final tally on decisions. eBuddy and Nimbuzz are much older chat alternatives and their survival so far is proof of their tenacity.
BlackBerry Messenger(BBM)
Before WhatsApp came on the scene, BBM was the go-to App for BlackBerry-only users for instant messages, free calls, sharing pictures and videos and more.
BBM later added iOS, Windows Phone and Android to the fold opening up a whole new user base although a little too late to the party. But as a WhatsApp alternative, BBM has already been there, done that and done it well. With WhatsApp out of the way, BBM might actually finally get it’s groove back and who knows, it might just work out fine.
BBM gives you more control with two new features. By setting a timer you can control how long contacts can view messages and pictures you share. Plus, you can ‘retract’ your message to remove it from your BBM chat if you sent it by mistake or don’t want them to have it anymore ~BlackBerry
IM+
IM+ is a multi-platform and multi-protocol Instant Messenger that runs on Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, Symbian and J2Me. It supports multiple clients most popular of which are – Yahoo!, GTalk, ICQ and Facebook (Skype appears to have been discontinued) allowing you to chat from one messenger.
IM+ has a desktop client too on Windows PC. Connecting to these IM+ clients is a bit of a tease at times but it has proved to work when it matters most. As a WhatsApp alternative, IM+ has a lot to offer and the Pro version even gets rid of all the ads that might put some people off.
LINE
LINE is a popular South Korean/Japanese Instant Messenger available on Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Nokia Asha (Symbian), Windows Phone, Firefox OS and on Windows PC, Mac and Chrome OS.
LINE supports Instant Messaging, Voice call and Video calls, fun stickers, photo, voice and video sharing. LINE has upwards of 400 million users at last count in October 2014 and takes the prize for supporting the most number of device platforms including those that won’t be supported any longer by WhatsApp at the end of 2016. As a chat alternative, LINE is as good as they come.
ICQ
ICQ is an acronym standing for I Seek You . ICQ is an old hand at instant messaging tracing it’s roots to an Israeli company back in 1996. ICQ was the first stand-alone instant messenger that is credited for introducing one-on-one chat so prevalent online today.
ICQ provides a definitive platform support starting from Java phones to the latest Smartphones running Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and Bada OS too.
This Whatsapp alternative is also available on Mac and Windows PCs. Did we say that LINE took the prize at supporting the most number of platforms? We spoke too soon. ICQ takes the trophy. Bonus points for being a Pioneer .
Closing Remarks
You should note that none of the most popular Instant Messaging Apps has made it to this list. The big-name Apps have a tendency to run on only newer platforms that can support their updates.
The WhatsApp alternatives above cater for the much older Java phones while at the same time fully functional on newer devices on the market. Also note that BlackBerry and Microsoft(Nokia) are themselves in the process of discontinuing manufacturing of these old platforms.
Featured Image: Forbes
Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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