Arattai App Explained: Can the Made-in-India Messaging Platform Take on WhatsApp?

Arattai has been making rounds on the internet for a few days. For the unaware, it's a homegrown instant messaging app positioned as an alternative to WhatsApp. The app is free, easy-to-use, secure, safe and 'Made in India'.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has also encouraged citizens to give Arattai a try. The app is available on both iOS and Android devices. Let's take a closer look at its features and see how it stacks up against WhatsApp.

Arattai: What It Is and How It Compares to WhatsApp

Arattai App Explained

The word "Arattai" means "casual chat" in Tamil. The Made in India app allows users to send text and voice messages, make audio and video calls, share stories, connect via groups and channels, and exchange images, documents, and media files. Each group can host up to 1,000 active participants.

Developed by Zoho, Arattai prioritises user privacy by encrypting all stored data. It also offers a Secret Chat mode that provides end-to-end encryption for messages, while all calls made through the app are fully end-to-end encrypted as well.

Feature	Benefit
Text & Voice Messaging	Send messages quickly and efficiently, including voice notes.
Audio & Video Calls	High-quality, end-to-end encrypted calls for secure conversations.
Stories/Status	Share updates, photos, and videos with friends and contacts, similar to WhatsApp Status.
Groups & Channels (up to 1,000 participants)	Connect with large groups of friends, family, or communities easily.
Media & Document Sharing	Share images, videos, and documents securely within chats and groups.
Secret Chat	End-to-end encryption for private conversations, ensuring messages are fully secure.
Cross-Platform Support	Use the app on smartphones, tablets, and desktops for seamless communication.
Multi-Device Login (up to 5 devices)	Sync messages, contacts, and settings across multiple devices for convenience.
Privacy & Security	Data is encrypted at rest and all calls/messages are end-to-end encrypted.
Homegrown (Made in India)	Promotes local technology solutions and aligns with Swadeshi initiatives.
Free & Easy-to-Use	No cost to download and simple interface for all users.

Arattai provides a secure way to connect with friends and family. This app can be used across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops. You can log in on up to five devices at the same time, with your messages, contacts, and settings synced across all of them. This ensures a smooth, seamless, and secure experience when switching between devices.

Minister Pradhan's endorsement highlights the importance of supporting homegrown technology solutions like Arattai. He says - ''Guided by Hon'ble PM Shri narendramodi ji's call to adopt Swadeshi, I appeal to everyone to switch to India-made apps for staying connected with friends and family.''

How to Use Arattai

First, download the Arattai app from Apple's App Store or Google Play Store.
Next, create your account using your phone number.
After that, set up your profile by adding your name, display picture (DP), bio, and a username. You can share this username with friends to connect easily.

Better Than the Competition?

Arattai boasts a comprehensive feature set with a focus on privacy. Features like support for logging in on up to five devices and end-to-end encryption are noteworthy. However, WhatsApp remains dominant with over 3 billion monthly active users globally and advanced features, including Meta AI.

While Arattai may not yet rival WhatsApp's global reach, it offers a compelling alternative for users seeking a secure, homegrown solution.