Kakao Talk Launches Open Chat, a New Chat Feature that Allows Users to Begin Chatting with the Click of a Link

Kakao Philippines Corp. has announced the launch of Open Chat, a Kakao Talk feature that allows users to chat with others at the click of a link. All chat rooms in Open Chat have designated URLs, which users can share on social media and other websites. Any Kakao Talk user can enter the chat room without providing their mobile phone numbers or Kakao Talk IDs. Group chats are then easier to start because users who have the link can join the conversation; no need to add people one by one.

Human relationships offline are not equal. There are mutual friends whom users are comfortable sharing their mobile numbers or profiles with, and then there are complete strangers. Kakao provides a middle level of interaction with this new feature. Open Chat connects users through links; as opposed to regular chats, which require the exchange of phone numbers. Open Chat allows users to have more control over their friends list and gives them a secure alternative: to chat with whomever they need without having to divulge personal information.

KakaoTalk's New Emotion Pack To Raise Funds For Hope Campaign Share The Love This Season With KakoTalk's Frodo and Neo

Brace yourself as the latest Kakao Friends emoticons are here, just in time for the holiday season when spreading love is on everyone’s mind. The new “Love Story” set includes 24 moving stickers featuring everyone’s favorite dynamic duo, Frodo and Neo, and cover the full spectrum of situations and emotions they go through as a couple. Whether madly in love or going through a rough patch, there’s a perfect emoticon to let your special someone know exactly how you feel. Even if you don’t have your very own Frodo or Neo, the “Love Story” set is also ideal for letting your friends and family know that you’re thinking about them.

However, sending emoticons isn’t the only way to spread your love through the Kakao Friends this season. The “Love Story” set can also be purchased as part of the Hope Pack, which includes three other sets of emoticons, with all proceeds going to Daum Kakao Hope Campaign http://hope.daum.net/campaign/list.daum (site in Korean). For every Hope Pack sold from December 2 to 15, Daum Kakao, KakaoTalk’s parent company, will donate 1,000 Korean won (approximately 90 US cents) to the Hope Campaign with the goal of helping ten different people (including a set of twins) fulfill their wishes. 

XSTIG: Viber 3.1 Arrives On Windows 8 With New Sticker Menu

Viber unveiled a new version of its application for Windows 8 today bringing numerous new features, enhancements, and bug fixes to users of the platform.

One of the main enhancements of the new version is a new sticker menu that makes it easier than ever for users to add fun and playful stickers to conversations with their friends. The new version also includes many free stickers for users to enjoy.

The updated version also brings support for 13 additional languages as well as multiple other improvements and bug fixes.

The new version can be downloaded here: http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/viber-free-phone-calls-text/7a5aebdf-75c9-4c1d-93f2-44fdbc27ffad

XSTIG: KakaoTalk now available on Mac, launches Search Chat feature

KakaoTalk, one of the leading mobile messengers in the world, has announced exciting product updates for its subscribers across the globe!  KakaoTalk is now available for Mac users worldwide and is now offering “Search Chat” – a brand new feature that will be available on the desktop client, KakaoTalk Windows.

KakaoTalk for Mac

For the first time, KakaoTalk's desktop chat is now available to all Mac users. The beta version of KakaoTalk for Mac is available in English and Korean, with all the basic messaging features that KaTalkers love and rely on: full sync between mobile & Mac, friends list, chat rooms, emoticons, ability to receive files in any format (Word, Excel, photos, videos, etc.) and more. More features and updates (including search and the ability to send files) will be coming soon to Mac.  

XSTIG: VIBER takes you to #Viberacay!

After announcing the release of its iOS app to version 4.2, bringing a redesigned user interface for iOS 7 and is now available on Blackberry 10, Viber will keep its feet going to the islands of Boracay as loyal users will enjoy the vibe which only Viber can provide.

To enjoy the perks while staying on the island this Labor Day weekend (April 29 – May 5, 2014), send your Viber message with the hashtag (#Viberacay) to 0911-VIBERPH (8423774). FREEBIES like boat ride (from the Jetty Port to Cagban and vice versa); multicab and tricycle rides; usage of Viber Free WiFi, free Chori Burgers and access to ultimate Viber parties await!

For more details, send #Viberacay to 0911-VIBERPH (8423774) or visit https://www.facebook.com/OfficialViberPhilippines.

XSTIG: Viber Releases New design For iPhone and Comes To Blackberry 10 For The First Time

Popular Messaging And Voice App Viber Unveils Version 4.2 For iPhone With A Redesigned Look, A Bevy Of Feature Updates, And Long Awaited BlackBerry 10 App Viber, (www.viber.com) the leading mobile communications platform offering free messaging and HD-quality phone calls, announced today the release of its redesigned iPhone app that is designed for iOS 7, bringing multiple enhancements to iPhone users. The company has simultaneously released a new mobile app for BlackBerry 10, bringing Viber to BlackBerry’s latest OS with many of the most popular Viber features for the first time.

Who is your Kakao-Look-Alike?

“Take your KakaoFriends look-alike photo, and win an iPhone 5c or iPad Mini!”

[March 11th, 2014] The increasingly popular messaging app KakaoTalk invites users to become lucky winners of iPhone 5c or iPad Mini through a fun, easy Facebook competition.

Users need to simply ‘like’ the KakaoTalk Philippines Facebook page, choose a KakaoFriends sticker, take a look-alike picture and post it up on their page with #KakaoTalkPH and #KakaoLookAlike hash tags.

XSTIG: How many ways can you say Happy Heart’s Day?

KakaoTalk shows you how. 

It’s that time of year when everything is filled with heart shaped candy, flowers, and dinners at fancy places are getting fully booked. Everyone has already geared up to celebrate Valentine’s Day. So, whether you’re in a romantic relationship or not, there are still ways to celebrate the “most romantic holiday”. 

Expressing your love becomes much easier with the advent of new technology. Now, people are on the hunt to find better and more creative ways to get their message across. 

Meet The KakaoTalk Friends!

Kakao Friends are your mischievous and spirited messaging buddies that you can meet exclusively on KakaoTalk. With each character displaying distinct personalities and emotions, they help users effectively convey a variety of exciting emotions, even those that are hard to express in text, to friends and loved ones.

Like any of us, each character has his or her own story to tell.

Groovy Jay-G is the mole with the sunglasses and the afro hair. He always makes it a point to get his afro done fresh and his suit crisp. He is a secret agent who finds inspiration from his largest idol, Jay-Z. Although Jay-G tries to portray an image of a calm, cool-headed and professional dude, he is actually as clumsy as a bear, has the heart of a pussycat, and is hungry for affection. Have you used Jay-G stickers to cry out for love?

XSTIG: Teens fleeing from Facebook

Digital expert looks into the trend, sees opportunity for mobile messaging apps

Facebook made a rather staggering confession during its Q3 earnings call recently. David Ebersman, Facebook’s chief financial officer said, “We did see a decrease in daily users specifically among younger teens. We wanted to share this with you now because we get a lot of questions about it.”

To a certain extent, the exodus may have been brought about by moms, dads, titos (uncles) and titas (aunts) invading Facebook walls of teenagers and generally – bursting their personal digital bubbles.

KakaoTalk Invades UST

The home of the growling tigers, University of Santo Tomas, has become one of the stops of the free call and messaging app KakaoTalk on its university tour which brought great news and promos to the students.

KakaoTalk has set up a booth and free wifi were students can register and download the app and are treated with snacks upon successful download and activation. Users have the chance to win limited edition KakaoTalk Friends Dolls of the characters such as Tube, Apeach, Frodo and Muji. They also shared their latest contest the KakaoTalk Ambassador which students can win prizes by being a active and influential KakaoTalk starter in their area.

XSTIG: #YolandaPH Free Calls From Viber

Viber, a call and messaging app for smartphones extends help in communication help for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda, relatives and friends.

ATTENTION: In light of the current situation in The Philippines, we are opening a temporary service, allowing Filipino users to call regular (non Viber) numbers outside of the Philippines for free. Please note that this is not a final product, so not all countries are supported and quality may vary. You may have to restart your phone for this to work. To call someone using this service, go to any contact in Viber and tap any of the numbers listed next to "ViberOut". 

Call your family now. Let them know you are ok! #ViberHelps

Go to viber.com/typhoon for a full list of supported countries.

XSTIG: KakaoTalk Shoots to Number 1 in the PH App Store and Google Play

KakaoTalk, the newest mobile messaging application to reach the country, is now the number one free social networking application in the Philippine iOS App Store and the number one free communications application in Google Play. The mobile application saw a surge of downloads over the past couple of weeks, taking the No. 1 spot in Communications category of Google Play on the 18th, following its matched success in the App Store where it rose to become the No. 1 Social Networking application on August 7th, the same day of its official launch.

The impressive results are backed by Kakao’s aggressive localization efforts, in addition to the messenger’s fun and unique features. On August 7th, Kakao launched a TV and radio ad of KakaoTalk featuring K-pop superstars, Big Bang and Philippines’ pop princess, Sarah Geronimo. These two stars are also featured on KakaoTalk’s Plus Friend channel, a fun interactive advertisement platform where users can add Sarah and BigBang’s official accounts to their Friends’ list to receive latest updates and content including pictures and videos on them. Kakao plans to partner with more celebrities and companies in the Philippines to offer Filipino users content that is locally relevant.

XSTIG: KakaoTalk Is Now Here In the Philippines!

With a growing number of call and messaging apps out in the market, competition is heating up. And today, KakaoTalk, Korea’s no. 1 mobile social app, launches in the Philippines which is endorsed by Philippines’ pop princess Sarah Geronimo and Korea’s phenomenal boy band Big Bang.

Having a localized approach of the app proved to be successful as people can actually relate their experience with local celebrities. And KakaoTalk went with the very influential and talented  popstar Sarah Geronimo.