Imagine if you could make phone calls from your PC to not just iPhones but also Android, Windows, and Blackberry devices too. That's exactly what LINE does in a slick interface that's sure to prove popular with PC users that have friends and family using different mobile devices.
Free calling and messaging
LINE is a Japanese based app that allows you to make free calls and send free messages to iPhone, Android, Windows and Blackberry phones as well as other Macs and PCs. LINE is also available for Mac meaning PC users can communicate with friends and family that use PCs as well as Macs. However, LINE doesn't feature video calling yet although you can send short video and audio messages.
Your connection can affect quality
Call quality using LINE is pretty good though although this will depend on your internet connection and 3G network. LINE is also jam packed with emoticons (and with the option to purchase more elaborate "stickers") to make messaging more fun. This latter feature is particularly popular in Japan and has helped make it one of the most successful apps on the market.
An extension of the mobile app now on PC
In the first 7 months of its release in Japan, the developers claim LINE gained over 100 million users which is pretty impressive. Until now, many iPhone and Android users have resorted to using WhatsApp to keep in touch with friends and family but unlike LINE, WhatsApp has never been released for PC or Mac.
Pros
Call for free to any mobile device, PC or Mac
Supports short audio and video messages
Cons
No video calling yet
Too many useless stickers for Western users
