Smartphone brand realme has opened its first flagship centre in Bangladesh where customers will get both sales and service facilities.

The centre was launched at Jamuna Future Park on Thursday.

Actor and “Face of realme Bangladesh” Arifin Shuvoo inaugurated the sales and service centre along with realme Bangladesh Manager Tim Shao, and Jamuna Group Director Dr Mohammed Alamgir Alam.

Also read: Realme Narzo 20 now available across country for game lovers

 

Gone are the days when we had to spend money and/or wait long to communicate with persons living in other places. Now we can send free messages and calls to several persons at a time within minutes. The advancement of technology has simplified our lives in many ways. But sometimes this technology is breaching the boundary of our privacy. Recently, many users are leaving the prominent messenger platform WhatsApp, as it is sharing users’ data with Facebook. Let’s talk about some of the best WhatsApp Alternatives for Free Calling and Group Messaging.

Top Free Messengers You Can Try as WhatsApp Alternative

Here we are going to highlight the two other renowned messenger platforms that you can use to communicate with your family members, friends, business partners, and colleagues without experiencing significant information infringement issues.

Also read: WhatsApp working on a new quick edit media shortcut

Telegram Vs Whatsapp

The cloud-based messaging platform Telegram offers an end-to-end message encryption system for both messaging and voice calling. This app is compatible with various operating systems such as Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows NT, etc. Let’s see Telegram’s merits and demerits over Whatsapp.

Communication via Public UserName

On the Whatapp platform, you can’t send a message or call a person without knowing his/her phone number. But, Telegram protects the privacy of users’ contact numbers. In this platform, you can communicate with other people through a public username. Therefore, you can send calls or messages to people; even if you do not have the contact numbers of those people.

Secret Chat Feature with Self Destruct Option

Another exciting feature of Telegram is that you will get notifications if someone takes screenshots of your Secret Chats. And the system also prevents the forwarding of ‘secret chats’ to another user. However, if someone takes a screenshot using another device, that’s a different story.

Do you want to delete your messages after a specified time? Telegram’s ‘Secret Chat’ feature has a clever end-to-end encryption system. This feature allows you to set a ‘Timer’ on the chats or messages to self-destruct after a specified period of time.

Media Compression Feature

Telegram has a cloud storage facility that allows users to save text messages, documents, images, and media files on its cloud storage. Here the allowable file size limit is 1.5GB. Its media compression feature allows the users to compress images/videos before sending them. This feature is not available on Whatsapp.

Also read: WhatsApp flaw 'puts words in your mouth'

Group Maintenance

On Telegram, the Group member limit is 200000. In a Telegram channel, the creator serves as an ‘administrator’ who decides which members can post and who can only view the posts.

Like Whatsapp, Telegram allows you to mute the chat notifications for specific contacts or groups for an hour, eight hours, two days, or forever.

Works on Desktop Independantly

Telegram has launched independent apps for different platforms. Unlike WhatsApp, you don’t need your phone to run the app simultaneously; while using a desktop or laptop. Certainly, it is a big advantage when your mobile is out of battery or left somewhere else and you need to use the Telegram app on your PC.

What if you need to change your phone number (attached to your account) or add a second number instead of migrating? Transferring all of the existing contacts and information to the new number can be a massive work in Whatsapp. But thanks to Telegram, as it allows you to change the phone number easily without losing any of your existing contacts, chats, or information. Here you can use multiple accounts at a time.

Message Editing Options

In Telegram, you can edit your message within 48 hours of sending it. This feature saves you from embarrassment if a wrong message this sent or a typing mistake is done. You can also utilize the 'schedule message' feature by picking a definite time and date.  

Limitations of Telegram App

However, Telegram stays behind Whatsapp in some features. Those are:

- Whatsapp uses end-to-end encryption for every chat whereas Telegram applied it only for secret chats.

- Whatsapp supports a video calling feature which is a great advantage for arranging virtual video meetings during the pandemic situation.

- In the Whatsapp platform, a sender is allowed to know both the delivery status and read the status of the message by the other users.

Read: A clear Signal that Indians are increasingly shunning WhatsApp?

Signal Vs Whatsapp

Are you looking for a free secured messenger as an alternative to Whatsapp? Try Signal! Holding the tagline "Say hello to privacy", Signal appeared as a secured messaging application. It is compatible with Apple devices, Mac, Linux, and Android devices. Is Signal better than Whatsapp? Let’s check out the key features of Signal.

Secured Messenger Platform

Like WhatsApp, the Signal users enjoy essential features such as voice calls, and video calls secure messaging with end-to-end encryption. 

Signal allows Voice and video calls on all platforms including iOS, Android, and Desktop. Here the voice and video calls are private and end-to-end encrypted. The system will ask for your permission regarding the Camera and Microphone connection when you send or get a Signal call for the first time.

Currently, the Signal Group calling feature is in beta testing. But up to eight people are allowed in Group calling.

Message Deletion via Timer

Like the aforementioned Telegram app, Signal offers a Timer feature for disappearing messages. The time duration ranges from 5 seconds to 7 days.

No Preservation of Group Records

Unlike Whatsapp, the Signal service has applied private group system technology. Under this facility, people can create a ‘New Group’, where the limit of members is 1000. Regarding both the ‘New’ and ‘Legacy’ groups, Signal won’t preserve any record of group attributes, group memberships, group titles, or group avatars.

Here the users are allowed to create ‘New’ and ‘Legacy’ groups on all platforms (iOS, Android, Desktop, etc); whereas insecure MMS groups are only compatible with android devices.

No Direct Adding to Groups

In this platform, not everybody gets added to a group automatically. Here each person gets an invitation to join a group’; whereas in WhatsApp people who know your phone number can add you to a group directly, without asking for your permission. The creator of Group (Admin) can invite people via QR-code, direct mention, a group link, etc.

Groups Monitoring Options

The Admin holds the authority to remove people from the ' New Group' and decide who is allowed to edit the group information and set the ‘Timer’ for message disappearance. Signal allows the approval of ‘Optional Admin’ via a group link.

Also read:Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp hit by photo glitch

On the other hand, the ‘Legacy Group’ has no features like Admin and mentions. Here the members can’t be removed from the group unless they are convinced or forced to leave.

Note-to-Self Feature

Whatsapp doesn’t have any option to send messages to you. Thanks to Signal for its "note to self" (end-to-end encrypted) feature that allows each user to write or send notes to him/herself. Utilizing this feature, you can quickly write notes or send files to yourself while chatting on another group. You can review or share those messages/files later as per your convenience. What is more? You can apply a Timer for disappearing messages which you have sent to yourself.

Less Data Sharing

Compared to WhatsApp, the Signal app collects much less amount of user information. The WhatsApp platform collects a massive quantity of user-information such as phone number, payment information, user ID, email address, contacts, device ID, and advertising data; whereas, the Signal app collects the users' phone numbers only.

Also read:Facebook to integrate WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger

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With WhatsApp literally forcing users to agree to sharing information with its parent company Facebook, more and more people around the world are migrating to other instant messaging apps like Signal and Telegram. India is no exception, where WhatsApp users are increasingly shunning WhatsApp for Signal and Telegram.

Both Signal and Telegram claim to have “state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption” as part of their services and are free to download. Ironically, Signal is headed by Brian Acton, one of the co-founders of WhatsApp. Signal has features like voice calling, video calling, stickers support and the person-to-person chat interface, similar to that of Apple’s iMessage.

Signal witnessed some 7.5 million installs globally through the Apple App and Google Play stores from January 6-10, according to California-based mobile analytics firm Sensor Tower. Similarly, Telegram saw over 5.6 million downloads globally in the same period. In India, a million have downloaded Signal and Telegram in the past week, according to estimates.

"Though WhatsApp is a household name in India, people have started migrating to other more privacy-focused messaging apps, particularly Signal. The figure, as per our estimates, is at least a million. The figure represents those shunning WhatsApp as well as new users," technology expert Rahul Gaba told UNB.

"So, it's privacy over convenience, for Indians, particularly the urban class. Moreover, the trend clearly shows that Signal is going to gain more ground in India," Gaba added.

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Also Read- WhatsApp working on a new quick edit media shortcut

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WhatsApp recently rolled out notifications informing users about an update in its Terms of Service that would pave the way for the app to share data with Facebook. WhatsApp made it clear that users will have to agree to the new terms and policy by February 8 this year, in order to continue using the instant messaging service.

WhatsApp's move to collect user information has already prompted electric carmaker Tesla founder Elon Musk to urge social media users globally to switch to Signal. Musk, in fact, recommended Signal on January 7, following which the shares of the app zoomed more than six-fold on the US bourses in a single day.

Soon after the announcement, Signal app had said in a tweet: "We continue to shatter traffic records and add capacity as more and more people come to terms with how much they dislike Facebook's new terms. If you weren't able to create a new group recently, please try again. New servers are ready to serve you."

That day only, Signal tweeted to inform WhatsApp users how to move their groups to the app using a group link. "A lot of people have been asking how to move their group chats from other apps to Signal, and Signal group links are a great way to get started. Drop a group link into your former chat app of choice like you're dropping the mic on the way out."

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Also Read- WHO health alert brings COVID-19 facts to billions via WhatsApp

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Musk, also the founder of SpaceX, has now pledged to invest more in Signal. In response to a tweet by the CEO of an e-commerce business on January 11, Musk said that he will invest again in Signal. “Already donated to Signal a year ago. Will donate more," he tweeted.

WhatsApp users in India say they are more than happy to migrate to Signal and Telegram. "Initially, I had a mental block using Signal, having used WhatsApp for the past 2-3 years. Gradually, I am getting over the mental block. I am also encouraging a number of my friends to switch to Signal at the earliest," said Manasi Roy, a software professional based in Delhi.

In fact, Gaba said he became apprehensive of WhatsApp's security features since the surfacing of private exchanges between Bollywood celebrities in the media amid the probe into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. "It clearly indicated that WhatsApp had been sharing data with Indian probe agencies," the expert added.

Online marketplace Daraz Bangladesh has brought “Daraz Xpedite” for the university-going youths.

Students who have an exciting personality and aspire to learn more about the job market, and are interested to explore the operational activities of the corporate realm have been encouraged to apply for the “Daraz Xpedite Campus Ambassador” programme.

Also read: Huge discounts for customers as Daraz announces 12.12 shoping spree

The year-long programme will start this month. It will enable promising youths to learn administrative supervision, workplace diplomacy, and many more intriguing aspects of the multinational corporate sphere. 

The programme is designed to create an opportunity for university students to enhance their income-generating abilities. And 35 campus ambassadors will be primarily recruited for the first quarter of the year 2021, and a total of 100 will team-up with Daraz by the end of it. 

Also read:Realme Narzo 20 goes on First Sale at Daraz

Daraz Bangladesh Head of Marketing Abrar Hasnain said, “We often see scattered efforts by many university-goers to stand out from the rest, which mostly go unnoticed.” 

“Daraz Xpedite is a well-designed platform where such talented young people can prove their potential while building a solid foundation for their future.”

Also read: Daraz: 15 pc instant cashback on bKash payment

While gaining experience of working at a leading multinational corporation, the chosen campus ambassadors would also financially benefit from the programme and better performers would receive an e-commerce certificate based on their yearly review, Daraz said on Saturday.

Also read:Daraz Bangladesh joins Robi network

The online marketplace asked the interested students, especially third and fourth year ones, to apply at darazXpedite@daraz.com.bd. 

After a case study test and final interview, the selected candidates would be formally greeted in a grand orientation ceremony on February 5, 2021 at The Westin Dhaka, Daraz said. 

Also read: Daraz to host “11.11” sale campaign Monday

Fair Technology Limited, the lone distributor of world-renowned car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Company, is going to set up Hyundai car manufacturing plant in the country.

Fair Technology Ltd. has signed an agreement with the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority for allotment of land in this regard at five-star hotel in the capital, said a press release.

Fair Technology Ltd. is the automotive vertical of Fair Group. Fair Group goal is to enhance the quality of people’s lifestyle of Bangladesh by providing innovative technology and quality products and services of various world-famous brands.

Fair Group is successfully manufacturing Samsung smartphones and consumer electronics products in Bangladesh. Fair Group also operates its retail, enterprise, after-sales service, and various franchise-based businesses across the country.

Also read: S.Korea's Hyundai Motor posts biggest revenue in 2019

The signing ceremony was led by State Minister of ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP where Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority Managing Director (Secretary) Hosne Ara Begum ndc and Managing Director of Fair Technology Ruhul Alam Al Mahbub signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea LEE Jang-keun; Senior Secretary of ICT Ministry NM Zeaul Alam PAA; Director of Fair Technology Mutassim Daiaan; Adviser of Fair Group Maj. Gen. Hamid R. Chowdhury, RCDS, PSC (Retd.), Chief Marketing Officer Mesbah Uddin and other senior government and Fair Group officials were present on the occasion.

Also read:Standard Chartered Bank signs MoU with Hyundai, Nissan Ssang Yong

To provide brand new car and quality after-sales service to the automobile customers of Bangladesh, Hyundai car manufacturing plant will be set up on 6 acres of land at Kaliakair in Gazipur invested by Fair Technology and technical assistance from Hyundai Motor Company. Initially, Hyundai plans to produce the most popular car sedans, SUVs, and MPVs of recent models.

The factory is being set up in line with the policy of the Government of Bangladesh, which will help increase localization, create employment, and increase the number of skilled workers in the country.

Also read:Hyundai Motor develops AI-based autonomous driving technology

On this occasion, State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP said, “We are very happy that the world-famous Hyundai car factory is being set up in Bangladesh through Fair Technology which is one of the milestones. When world-famous cars like Hyundai start manufacturing in Bangladesh, Bangladesh's prestige in the world will increase a lot and I also believe that this factory will make a significant contribution to the  and employment and economy of Bangladesh.”

Also read:S.Korea's Hyundai Motor posts biggest revenue in 2019

Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, Managing Director (Secretary) Hosne Ara Begum ndc said, “We are very happy to be able to make this agreement with Fair Technology today because when world-famous car like Hyundai is built in a high-tech park, it will encourage foreign investors and Bangladesh will go further in the communication and technology industry.”

Also read: Fair Technology begins journey with Hyundai

Managing Director of Fair Technology Ruhul Alam Al Mahbub said, “To execute the Prime Minister's dream of Digital Bangladesh, Fair Technology will make Hyundai cars in Bangladesh. We are pleased to announce the Hyundai Car Manufacturing Factory in association with the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority. Using Hyundai's technology and expertise, we will ensure that Hyundai's world-class cars can be enjoyed by Bangladeshi customers at affordable prices.”