Arattai
Arattai Messenger (or simply Arattai) is an instant messaging and calling application developed by Zoho Corporation. It is positioned as a privacy-focused, Indian-made alternative to global messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The name "Arattai" is a Tamil word meaning "chat" or "casual conversation."
Core Philosophy and Security
[edit | edit source]Arattai's development aligns with Zoho's overall commitment to user privacy, emphasizing that the application does not rely on advertising or commercial exploitation of user data.
- Data Localisation: All user data is stored within Indian data centers, appealing to the national call for data sovereignty.
- Ad-Free Experience: The app maintains an ad-free interface, assuring users that their conversations are private and not mined for commercial purposes.
- Encryption: All voice and video calls on Arattai are end-to-end encrypted by default.
- Text Message Encryption: While initially lacking end-to-end encryption for text messages, Zoho has recently confirmed the feature is being rolled out to personal chats, with group chat encryption planned for a later stage.
Key Features and Productivity Tools
[edit | edit source]Arattai integrates several features designed to enhance communication and productivity, often drawing comparisons to both consumer and workplace chat applications.
- Meetings Feature: Users can create, join, or schedule video meetings directly within the app, removing the need for separate conferencing software.
- Pocket: A unique personal cloud storage feature that allows users to save messages, media, notes, and reminders in a secure, private space for easy, cross-device access.
- Mentions Tab: Similar to workplace communication tools, it provides a dedicated tab that aggregates all messages where the user was explicitly @mentioned in group chats, ensuring important notifications are not missed.
- No Forced AI: In a conscious design choice, Arattai maintains a clean user experience by not integrating intrusive AI features into the main chat interface.
- Cross-Platform Availability: Arattai is available across major operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, with seamless synchronization of messages and contacts.
- Group and Channel Support: The app supports large group chats (up to 1,000 participants) and channels for broader communication and broadcasting.
History and Market Positioning
[edit | edit source]Arattai was soft-launched in January 2021, coinciding with heightened user concerns and a public exodus from a competing platform over its privacy policy changes.
- Target Audience: It aims to serve both individual users, families, and Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) seeking a secure communication tool.
- Surge in Popularity: The app saw a significant surge in downloads in late 2025, temporarily topping the charts in India, driven by renewed interest in supporting homegrown technology.
- WhatsApp Chat Import: The app allows users to export chat history from WhatsApp and import it into Arattai on an individual chat basis, facilitating an easier transition for users considering a switch.