Zoho is set to introduce a new messaging app called Arattai. This app is designed to work seamlessly on low-end smartphones and in low-bandwidth environments, addressing a significant gap in the market where many messaging platforms are resource-heavy.
What is Arattai?
Arattai is a new communication tool from Zoho aimed at providing a reliable and user-friendly messaging experience, even for users with basic smartphones or slower internet connections. According to Sridhar Vembu, the founder and CEO of Zoho, Arattai is tailored to run smoothly on devices with limited processing power and in areas with unreliable or low-speed internet.
Vembu’s vision behind Arattai is to create an inclusive platform that ensures everyone, regardless of their device specifications or internet quality, can access and use modern communication tools. By focusing on lightweight design, the app aims to cater to a broad user base, including underserved markets and regions with digital infrastructure challenges.
Key Features of Arattai
Low Bandwidth Optimization: One of the standout features of Arattai is its low bandwidth consumption. It is optimized to work even in areas where the internet connection is weak or intermittent.
Lightweight Design: The app is designed to be light on resources, making it accessible for users with low-end smartphones that may not support more feature-rich apps.
Seamless Experience: Despite its lightweight nature, Arattai promises a smooth messaging experience with fast loading times and easy communication tools, making it a practical solution for daily use.
Why Arattai Matters?
Vembu emphasized the importance of making technology accessible to all. In many emerging markets, users still rely on budget-friendly smartphones and limited internet connectivity, making it difficult for them to use popular messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, which often require higher data speeds and better devices.
By creating Arattai, Zoho is tapping into this underserved segment, offering a solution that could democratize digital communication for millions of people. Vembu has also stated that the company’s commitment to affordable and scalable technology remains a core part of Zoho’s vision, especially in a country like India where digital inequality still exists.
The Road Ahead
As more users in rural and semi-urban areas come online, the demand for low-bandwidth apps is expected to grow. Zoho’s Arattai could become a key player in this space, allowing users to stay connected without compromising on quality. With this launch, Zoho aims to further strengthen its position as an innovator in the Indian and global tech markets.
Although Arattai is gaining popularity and positive reviews, it is still not ready to fully rival WhatsApp, mainly due to the absence of end-to-end encryption for messages.