Hike working on whatsapp like web feature launching soon

After rolling out the voice calling feature, Hike messenger is now testing a version for PCs to bring the app to the web. A screenshot of the beta version of Hike app for Web was shared by founder Kavin Bharti Mittal, indicating the imminent arrival of the desktop version launching soon.

The screenshot shared by Mittal shows the app expanded to a larger screen fit for PC usage. In terms of interface, broad similarities with the WhatsApp Web are seen, with the big dialog box for the chat and the contacts on the left. The unique emoticons that come with Hike are showcased in the image.

The company has not yet revealed a tangible timeline for the commercial roll out of the feature, but the screenshot does tease that the release is not far. In January, Hike rolled out the voice calling feature before WhatsApp rolled it out at the end of the same month.

Apart from WhatsApp, the Hike app competes with the likes of LINE, Viber, WeChat, Nimbuzz, Facebook Messenger and even Gtalk. Hike is backed by big international investors like Tiger Global and Bharti Softbank (BSB) — a joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and Japanese telecom firm Softbank Corp. In its last funding, Hike managed to raise $65 million (Rs 400 crore) from its investors to upgrade the app and develop innovative features. The funds were even used to amp up more human talent and improve marketing initiatives.