Singtel launches its own VoIP-chat app, and more besides

By Digital News Asia April 14, 2015

Wavee offers voice and video calls; seamless calls and messaging
All-in-one app free for anyone to download and use worldwide

Singtel launches its own VoIP-chat app, and more besides

SINGAPORE Telecommunications Ltd (Singtel) has announced Wavee, which it described as a next-generation IP-based (Internet Protocol) communications app that allows users to make high-quality voice and video calls, and send instant messages.

Singtel is the first mobile operator in South-East Asia to launch such a service, it said in a statement.

Available worldwide, the app is free for anyone to download and use from the Android Google Play and Apple App Store, and unlike many other messaging apps, does not allow advertising.

From now until July 9, all local data charges for Wavee usage on Singtel prepaid and postpaid lines will be waived.

READ ALSO: HyppTV Everywhere partnership with Digi not exclusive: TM

“People are looking for richer, more seamless and personal ways of communicating. With Wavee, we are giving our customers a holistic, end-to-end service,” said Johan Buse, Singtel’s vice president for Consumer Marketing.

As network conditions can vary between locations, Wavee is able to detect the strength of each user’s network and optimise the call quality for the best experience, Singtel said. Video calls will soon also be equipped with this ability.

As the app is hosted on a local telco network, customers are provided with an additional layer of quality assurance, the company claimed.

Users enjoy unlimited voice calls as long as they are on a data or WiFi connection.

Seamless multimedia experience

With Wavee, users can:

Make high quality voice, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and video calls, send instant messages and SMSes;

Set up chat groups;

Attach photos, videos, sketches, audio files and documents to messages;

Share a location – either their current location or a place on the map; and

Multi-task – sending messages and files while on a voice call.

Android users have the option to integrate SMSes into their Wavee message inbox – choosing Wavee as their default messaging app directs all SMSes to the app, reducing the need to toggle between the two.

Singtel iPhone users will soon be able to enjoy this feature, enabling friends on both platforms to chat using one central inbox.

Social interaction features

Singtel launches its own VoIP-chat app, and more besides Wavee also features a wide range of specially designed, locally themed stickers, including one with cheeky army-related references.

Users can send their friends and family a sketch, choose a photo, file or colour as the background, and easily overlay a border, sticker, text or a freehand sketch.

“Wavee is the first of its kind to combine all these features on one app, with a distinctively local touch,” said Buse.

“For instance, it allows users to send files and messages while on a call, which most other similar apps do not.”

Updates coming soon

At launch, both the caller and receiver must have the app to enjoy the free calls, which can be placed via WiFi or 3G/4G networks. A new feature that will be available in the second half of 2015 will allow calls from Wavee to any local number.

The range of stickers will also soon increase with many more locally themed sticker sets. Singtel is inviting local designers and design students to collaborate on these stickers, and those interested can send an email to [email protected].

The app is supported on all devices equipped with Android 4.1 and above, and iOS 7 and above, and is available for free download on the Android Google Play Store and Apple App Store.