Zoho is launching Arattai, a new messaging app designed to run smoothly on low-end smartphones. The app also works well in low-bandwidth areas, addressing a major gap in the market where most messaging apps are heavy on resources.
What Is Arattai?
Arattai is a lightweight communication tool from Zoho. It is built to provide a fast and reliable messaging experience, even on basic smartphones or slower internet connections.
Sridhar Vembu, Zoho’s CEO, explains that the app is tailored for devices with limited processing power. It also functions well in regions with unreliable or slow internet, ensuring users can stay connected anytime.
Vembu’s vision is to create an inclusive platform. With Arattai, everyone—regardless of their device or network speed—can use modern communication tools. By focusing on a lightweight design, Zoho aims to reach underserved markets with limited digital infrastructure.
Key Features of Arattai
- Low Bandwidth Optimization: The app works efficiently even in weak or intermittent internet areas, reducing data usage for users.
- Lightweight Design: Arattai is light on resources, making it perfect for budget smartphones that struggle with heavier apps.
- Seamless Messaging Experience: Despite its small size, Arattai delivers fast loading times and smooth communication, making it suitable for daily use.
Why Arattai Matters
Vembu highlights the need to make technology accessible to all. In many emerging markets, users still rely on affordable smartphones and limited internet. Popular apps like WhatsApp or Telegram often demand higher data speeds and better devices, leaving many people behind.
By launching Arattai, Zoho taps into this underserved audience, offering a democratic solution for millions. The company’s commitment to affordable and scalable technology is part of its long-term vision, particularly in India, where digital inequality remains a challenge.
The Road Ahead
As more users in rural and semi-urban areas come online, demand for low-bandwidth apps is rising. Arattai could become a key player, helping users stay connected without compromising quality.
However, while Arattai is receiving positive feedback, it is not yet a full competitor to WhatsApp. The main limitation is the lack of end-to-end encryption, which remains a critical feature for secure messaging.
Zoho aims to strengthen its role as an innovator in India and globally, and Arattai is a step toward making digital communication more inclusive.
