SANDES : Indian Messenger App WhatsApp alternative
Sandes, (previously named Government Instant Messaging System (GIMS)), is an Indian freeware cross-platform instant messaging (IM) and Voice over IP (VoIP) service developed by the Government of India as an alternative to WhatsApp. The Sandes application works on both Android and iOS platforms. Also accessible via Sandes web portal. Even though a public launch date is not yet announced, the application can be download from official site.
Sandes, which is the Indian government’s instant messaging app, is now accessible to everyone. Previously, it was only available for government officials. The app, which has been launched by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), gives a boost to PM Narendra Modi’s Digital India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
This is an end-to-end encrypted messaging app, which is aimed as an alternative to WhatsApp. If you are still trying out different messaging apps and wondering if Sandes is worth a shot, then read on to get answers to your questions.
Is Sandes better than WhatsApp in terms of features? What is different?
Sandes is free to use and there are no ads in the app. Do note that when you download it, the app’s name is displayed as GIMS (Government Instant Messaging System). But, the government is calling it as Sandes, which basically means message in Hindi.
Sandes has an interface similar to WhatsApp and you will find most of the WhatsApp features in this app. We will get to this in a bit, let’s first walk you through the notable differences between both the messaging apps.
One of the major differences is Sandes offers an option to sign up using the email id and not just with mobile phone number. However, this is currently restricted to government officials only. WhatsApp only allows you to create an account using your number.
Sandes features:
- The government has claimed newly announced Sande App as the indigenously developed messaging app.
- In this instance, the app is available only for the government officials, and the app has been in the testing phase to the normal users.
- The app will be soon available soon for both the Android and iOS users.
- Similar to other chatting apps, this app supports voice calling services.
- Sandes App also supports the exchange of voice messages and media files.
- The app is fully controlled by National Informatics Center (NIC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
- At present, the applicants can find out the details of the Sandes App on gims.gov.in portal.
