SINGAPORE – November 13, 2013 – Viber has announced the release of version 4.0 of its platform on iPhone and Android, including new features such as a Push to Talk function for instant voice messaging, and a Sticker Market, which is the first monetized feature on Viber.
"This version of Viber is all about expressing yourself in more fun, exciting ways. Our new Sticker Market offers over 1,000 unique, fun, expressive characters, many of which were specifically for our users in Asia," said Viber CEO Talmon Marco.
"Also, we are the first of the major messaging services to add Live Push to Talk, streamed instantly between users. No sending, no waiting," he said.
The Viber Sticker Market builds on the already available sticker feature on the platform. It allows users to access an even larger selection of stickers for free, and for purchase. The market will be regularly updated with new content, and will also feature exclusive content tied into events and holidays through the year.
As part of the new release, Viber unveiled two new featured characters, Mayo and Blu, to join Viber’s signature character, Violet.
Viber’s Push to Talk allows users to send short voice messages to each other. According to Viber, it is "significantly better" than the Push to Talk features of other apps.
"Typically, Push to Talk is a four-step process–record, send, download, play. Viber does all four at the same time. This way, the average response time to a 15-second message is 4 to 6 seconds, rather than 45 to 60 seconds," Viber said in a press release.
"This is the most exciting release we’ve had for Viber since we launched the platform. Today’s updated version brings a vast new range of features and functionality to Viber," said Marco. "Viber has always aimed to provide a complete communications experience. With the new features we’ve brought to the platform, Viber lets users connect and stay connected in more ways than ever."
Additional features include message forwarding to any group or contact, a custom background gallery that allows users to choose new conversation backgrounds, and group conversations with up to 100 participants.
