Viber is a cross-platform IM and VoIP tool that lets you make free calls and send free messages to other Viber users on your smartphone and then carry on the conversation via chat on your PC. Viber syncs your contacts, messages, and history automatically between your phone and PC, so all you need to do is install Viber’s Windows app on your PC and the correct app for your phone (ours is Android), and let Viber do the rest.

PROS

Calls, text, pix: Viber enables HD voice calls, video calls, free text and picture sharing to other Viber users and group conversations. It adds contacts automatically, which saves effort, though some users might prefer more options (see below).

Cross-platform: Viber has versions for Windows (including Windows 8 desktop or mobile), as well as Windows Phone, Android, Mac, iOS, BlackBerry, Bada, and Nokia operating systems. It supports both 3G/4G and Wi-Fi networks.

Improved Windows app: We had no trouble installing and setting up Viber for Windows in our 32-bit Windows Home Premium system. We entered our phone number and an SMS validation code to sync our phone and PC. The whole thing took a few seconds and worked the first time.

CONS

Contact options: The Windows app automatically adds all your Contacts, which is convenient but a bit inflexible.

Data plan: Viber for Windows doesn’t work without a smartphone. Viber also uses your phone’s data plan to make some calls.

BOTTOM LINE

Viber has some interesting features and is easy to use, and recent releases have made improvements. With more than 200 million users, Viber’s base has grown, too. But in the end, most users go with what their crowd uses, so how useful Viber is to you may depend on what your friends, family, and acquaintances use.