Arattai Developed by Zoho Corporation, Arattai has seen a sudden explosion in popularity. Daily sign-ups have jumped from 3,000 to over 350,000, helping it climb to the top of the Social Networking category on the App Store. But the big question remains: Can Arattai really become a strong rival to WhatsApp?
Arattai vs WhatsApp: A Direct Comparison
Whenever a new chat app emerges, the first natural question is: How does it compare with WhatsApp? Let’s break it down:
- User Base: WhatsApp has over 500 million users in India alone, giving it massive network effects. Arattai is still new but has shown promising growth.
- Features: Both apps support messaging, voice and video calls, media sharing, and groups. WhatsApp, however, has gone beyond communication with payments and business tools. Arattai for now is focused more on privacy and essential communication features.
- Privacy: Arattai highlights its privacy-first approach. All user data is stored in India. Voice and video calls are already end-to-end encrypted, while messages currently offer a “secret chat” option with full encryption still in the works. WhatsApp messages are all encrypted, but debates around its data handling remain.
- Adoption Challenge: WhatsApp is deeply woven into India’s daily life — from school groups to government services. Arattai must work hard to break this inertia and establish itself.
👉 In short, WhatsApp remains the giant, but Arattai has positioned itself as a serious Indian alternative.
The Unique Pocket Feature in Arattai
One of the most unique features that sets Arattai apart is Pocket.
What is Pocket?
Pocket is a private, personal space inside Arattai where you can save:
- Important chats
- Photos and videos
- Links and documents
- Personal notes
It works like a built-in digital notebook or organizer.
Why is Pocket Special?
On WhatsApp, people often send notes or files to themselves as a workaround. Arattai simplifies this with a dedicated Pocket section, designed exclusively for saving personal information securely.
Use Cases of Pocket
- Save important documents for later.
- Write meeting notes or reminders.
- Store addresses, links, and numbers.
- Collect media without needing to forward it to groups or contacts.
👉 With Pocket, Arattai isn’t just another chat app; it doubles as a personal organizer, giving it an edge over WhatsApp.
Background: The Story of Zoho and Arattai
Arattai, which means “chat” in Tamil, was first launched in January 2021 during global debates over WhatsApp’s privacy policy.
The app was developed by Zoho Corporation, a Chennai-based global SaaS giant. Sridhar Vembu, Zoho’s co-founder, presented Arattai as a Made-in-India alternative. After its recent growth spike, Zoho confirmed that it is rapidly expanding its infrastructure to handle potential exponential surges in users.
Arattai has even received political endorsements. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan called it “free, secure, and made in India,” encouraging people to adopt it.
Key Features of Arattai
- Text, voice, and video messaging
- Group chats and broadcast channels
- Stories for temporary updates
- Meetings to schedule sessions with titles, co-hosts, and time zones
- Multi-device support across Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Android TV
- Optimized for weak networks and low-end devices
How to Download Arattai
On Android
- Open the Google Play Store and search for “Arattai Messenger – Zoho Corporation.”
- Tap Install.
- You can also use the official website’s Download section to reach the Play Store listing.
⚠️ Avoid third-party APK files for safety.
On iPhone
- Open the App Store and search for “Arattai Messenger.”
- Verify Zoho as the developer and tap Get.
- The official website can also redirect you to the App Store.
On Desktop
Arattai offers versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Pair your device through the Settings > Devices menu to log in.
On Android TV
Download “Arattai – Secure Communication” from the Play Store and sign in by scanning the QR code shown on the TV.
Setting Up an Account
- After installation, choose your country and enter your phone number.
- Verify with the OTP.
- Allow permissions for contacts, microphone, camera, and notifications.
- Set up your profile name and photo.
The app automatically syncs with your address book to find existing users. You can also invite others via SMS or in-app sharing.
Using Arattai: Chats, Calls & More
- Chats: Start 1:1 or group conversations.
- Calls: Make voice and video calls directly from chats.
- Stories & Channels: Share updates and broadcast content.
- Meetings: Host online sessions — a feature WhatsApp doesn’t yet offer.
- Pocket: Save personal notes, files, and links in your private storage.
Privacy & Security
- Calls: Fully end-to-end encrypted.
- Messages: Secret chats are encrypted, with full rollout expected soon.
- Data Storage: All user data is hosted on servers in India.
⚠️ Until full message encryption arrives, avoid sharing sensitive details in plain text.
Why Arattai Matters for India
Arattai is not just another app — it represents India’s push toward self-reliance in technology. With the government encouraging indigenous solutions under “Digital India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” Arattai fits perfectly into the movement.
A successful homegrown messaging app could be as transformative for India as UPI was in the payments space.
Challenges Ahead
- User Retention: Downloads are easy; keeping users active is harder.
- Feature Gaps: WhatsApp has payments and business tools that Arattai lacks.
- Trust Factor: Long-term reliability and consistency need to be proven.
Conclusion
Arattai’s meteoric rise signals India’s readiness for a Made-in-India, privacy-focused messaging platform. With unique features like Pocket, multi-device support, and strong emphasis on data security, it stands out as more than just a WhatsApp clone.
Of course, WhatsApp’s dominance won’t be easy to break. But if Zoho continues to innovate, close feature gaps, and deliver on its privacy promises, Arattai could emerge as a serious challenger in the messaging space.
For now, if you’re looking for a free, secure, and Indian-built messaging app, Arattai is definitely worth trying.
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