After Hoppr, BSB launches messaging app Hike

Bharti Softbank (BSB), a joint venture between Bharti Enterprises and Japanese Internet firm Softbank Corp, has launched Hike, a peer-to-peer (P2P) messaging app that uses both data and SMS to deliver messages.

Unlike the cross-platform mobile messaging app WhatsApp, Hike will let you message those who don't have it. In other words, users need not install the app on their phones to receive messages. Hike also claims to have in-built filters that block spam SMS.

The app has recently received an approval from telecom regulatory body TRAI for sending more than 100 messages per day per SIM (the approval came even before its launch). It is offering 100 free SMS every month; plus, you get 10 SMS free for every user you bring in.

Right now, Hike is only available on android but very soon, it will be launched on iOS and WP7 platforms.

A month ago, BSB also launched Hoppr, a location-based check-in service that works across all mobile devices. The service allows users to explore rewards & offers available from merchant & brands in their vicinity.

(Edited by Sanghamitra Mandal)