✪ With the myriads of mobile messaging apps available in the market, it is crucial for developers to stand out by differentiating themselves from the competition. Simple, no-nonsense applications with only one defining feature struggle to appeal to the modern mobile user. In today’s technology-laden world, apps that capture the attention of mainstream audiences need to offer a full array of functions. On the other hand, the demand for constant new updates can clash with applications quest for greater innovation, particular in terms of providing an aesthetically pleasing user interface that does not feel too cluttered.
KakaoTalk’s fun and unique brand image also carries a strong reputation as a leading innovator in the mobile messaging industry. User feedback is the most prioritized aspect for Kakao, and many of its new features were developed specifically to reflect the insight and comments provided by actual users.
Brand-new functions such as the “Do Not Disturb” setting exemplifies KakaoTalk’s customer-centric mindset that also values the importance of privacy. Kakao promotes innovative connectivity, but it also understands the need for people to enjoy the occasional “Me Time.” The “Do Not Disturb” feature offers users the option to disable notifications during a customized time period without worrying about unwanted message alerts.
o To activate the Do Not Disturb feature, tap More > Settings > Do Not Disturb, or you can access this via your notification panel. Once activated, an icon will appear on your status bar to notify users of your inactivity. To disable the Do Not Disturb mode, simply turn your KakaoTalk push notifications back on with a tap.
KakaoTalk, understanding users’ need for message delivery assurance, also offers a neat feature that allows all messages to be delivered without fail, regardless of network conditions. This feature enables KakaoTalk to keep all messages sent by a user to stay afloat in the system and continuously reattempt delivery for a given length of time. So, even in situations where the network connection is unstable or weak, KakaoTalk users can send messages knowing that they will be automatically delivered as soon as the connection is stabilized, even during background mode. Once the message is delivered, the airplane icon disappears and is replaced with the ‘unread count’* number.
o Even with a busy network, your messages can still be sent and stay afloat in the network, and once your message is delivered the paper airplane icon will disappear.
The paper plane mode is a great example of Kakao’s core philosophy, which values users and user experience the most. Paper plane mode eliminates any cumbersome need for users to constantly recheck their phones for message delivery confirmation or resend the same message repeatedly, reducing user inconvenience dramatically.
Knowing how many people have read your message can be key when taking part in group chats with dozens of people, especially when it involves important announcements. KakaoTalk understands this need and ensures this information is adequately provided through the unread count number. Next to every message sent on KakaoTalk is a countdown number, which begins with the total number of users (excluding message sender) in the chatroom. As others in the chatroom read the message, the number counts down and eventually disappears altogether when everyone has read the particular message. An exclusive feature only available on KakaoTalk, the unread count number makes communication all the more effective while enabling speedier feedback.
o While talking to someone, or multiple people, countdowns are placed beside messages depending on the number of people you are chatting with. The number will decrease and eventually disappear when everyone has read your message
Users are bound to be pleasantly surprised almost every time they open KakaoTalk on their mobile devices. There is always a new gem to discover hidden within the settings that will drastically improve their mobile experience. As awesome features like the Do Not Disturb mode, paper airplane mode and the unread countdown illustrate, users can expect continued exciting innovations from KakaoTalk. ♣
Until our next trip in the City!
またね Mata ne!
