In the world of messaging applications, there are four platforms that dominate the market (without considering WeChat, which is the most used in China). WhatsApp and Messenger are the ones that lead the TOP, as they are the favorites of those who are looking for a simple way to chat with their acquaintances . Then we have Telegram, which is recognized as the best of all for having a good balance between simplicity, functionality, and privacy.
And in last place is Signal, which gained a lot of popularity last year thanks to WhatsApp’s new privacy policies and because Edward Snowden said he uses it. What sets Signal apart from the rest is that all your messaging is encrypted and 100% open source . However, what few know is that there is another app just as secure and private as Signal, which has grown a lot in recent years. It’s called Wire and we’ll introduce it to you right away.
Wire • Secure Messenger: privacy by flag with a weird interface
Wire is not a new app. It has been in the app stores since 2014 living in the shadows of the giants in this sector. Its main feature is the ability to send messages, transfer files and make end-to-end encrypted calls (or video calls) between different devices and platforms with proprietary technology.
In addition, it is Open-Source, so you can be sure that there are no back doors or any kind of hidden data collection. Unlike the vast majority of messaging apps, in Wire you can not only register with your phone number, but also with an email. This allows you to easily create a completely anonymous profile with a temporary email.
And just like Telegram, Wire lets people find you just by having your username . However, in order for someone to send you a message, you must first approve their request. Of course, we have to point out that the Wire interface seems confusing and somewhat difficult to use , since it is very different from those of the messaging applications that we are used to using on a daily basis.
As for the functions that the application offers, these are the most outstanding:
- Voice and video calls (using proprietary technology developed by former Skype members).
- Video conferences of up to 10 people .
- Audio and video messages with the ability to send GIFs and hand-drawn sketches.
- Encrypted file transfer (compatible with the files you have in your Google Drive or Dropbox cloud).
- Temporary messages that self-destruct in 10 seconds, 5 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, or 4 weeks.
- Lock the app with PIN, pattern, password or biometric system.
- Link preview (you can see which page a link will take you to without opening it).
It should be noted that Wire is 100% free for personal use , but it is really designed as a cross-platform collaborative messaging (it has apps for both mobile phones and computers) aimed at companies. If you want to use Wire for your work team, you will have to pay for one of their paid plans (the cheapest is €6.80 per user per month).
Download | Wire for any platform
Download APK | Wire on F-Droid
As you can see, Wire is a messaging service that doesn’t particularly stand out in anything, but it is an alternative to consider when looking for a secure and private application for cross-platform communications . Try it and then tell us what you think.
