Sandes messaging app is better than Whatsapp

Sandes is the Indian government initiative.  It is an instant messaging app that has been launched by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), to give a boost to the self-reliant India initiative.  

Previously, it was accessible to only government officials, now this app applies to everyone.  This is an end-to-end encrypted messaging app.  

If you are using Sandes app, as a user you should know how data collection and especially about its security.  Generally, it collects Contact Info, User Content, Identifiers, Diagnostics and other data.  The system collects metadata of each message, including the sender’s and the receiver’s identity, the date, time and size of instant or group messages, audio and video calling date, time and duration. 

As these are quite common and most of the messaging apps are collected i.e. the log files, crash reports, user’s service settings, online status, last seen status and date of when you last updated your profile. 

In Sandes app all messages say in an individual or group chat are End-to-End encrypted to ensure that the communication should be secured.  It stated clearly that the system does not sell or share any personally identifiable information with any third party.  Any information provided to the system will be protected from unauthorised access, alteration, or destruction. There is always an exception -- covered under law enforcement/court matters etc. 

Now there is a vital question can Sandes app is friendly and available for Android, and iOS users only?  Yes, one can use Sandes app on a desktop or laptop but it is not compatible with tablets, but one can use the web version of the app.

Currently, it is also not available on Play Store, but one can go to the government site and will get the app while iOS users can download the Sandes app from App Store. 

As Play Store is quite familiar to download the app.  However, if one finds it difficult here is the step how to download Sandes app: 

Step 1: You have to go to visit http://www.gims.gov.in/dash/dlink website and click on the download button.

Step 2: Open the app and create your account using your phone number. An OTP will come to your phone, which you will be asked to enter to create an account.

Step 3: Enter name, gender and upload your profile. The uploaded image is optional, and you can choose to skip if you need not upload your image.

Step 4: Then you will also be asked to give location permission to the app, which can be skipped. The next window will pop up and ask you to sync contacts or not, and after that, you are all set. Now you are ready to start messaging anyone. 

Whatsapp vs Sandes

The most pertinent question Sandes app is the best alternative to WhatsAPP?  Users are anxious and want to know the notable difference and how this app can be useful and appealing to the commonality. 

The major highlights are as follows:  

Sandes	Whatsapp
It offers an option to sign up using the email Id and not just only with the mobile phone number.  Please note this is currently restricted to government officials only.	It allows you to create an account using your number.
Users can share videos or photos with up to 500 MB.	You can send videos 16MB and regular files up to 100MB.
Fingerprint lock feature and screen lock feature are not available.	It offers a fingerprint lock feature and screen lock feature.
It can be downloaded via the APK link.	Not available.
In Sandes, if you are unable to find your email Id and have a new mobile number then you have to create a new account thus chats or existing profiles will be lost.	It has the option to let change your phone number without removing your existing profile.

In toto, Sandes has a similar interface to Whatsapp and one can find most of the Whatsapp features in this app also. 

Moreover, in Sandes there is an interesting section called “Gimoji,” which displays symbols used in official communication.  It has features like a broadcast message, status, disappearing messages, forward messages, delete messages, archive chats and more.  One can create a group of at least 50 members.  Those who are new contacts are using the same platform have the option to add sync contacts and without invitation, anyone can instantly join to a group via this app. 

Recently, the ongoing controversy of Whatsapp regarding its terms of service and privacy policy has raised an eyebrow to its users!   The timing of Sandes [self-reliant India initiative] could be interesting since it has a configuration similar to Whatsapp.