Updated: Viber instant messaging arrives on iPad
Update:
I ran some further testing with Viber on the iPhone and iPad, and it turns out that you don’t have to deactivate the app on your handset before using it on your tablet. In fact, the latest version of Viber makes it even easier to sign into the service from your iPad. Instead of sending you the usual six digit code to authenticate, Viber texts four numbers to your iPhone. Enter those numbers into the app on your iPad, and you are good to go.
As originally published:
You love the Viber instant messaging platform, and who doesn’t? It’s the second most popular chat program, trailing just behind Facebook-owned WhatsApp. Until now, you couldn’t use Viber to its fullest potential on your iPad, because the app only supported the iPhone.
Chatting on the iPad with Viber
With the latest update, there aren’t any major features added to the platform except for iPad support. But that iPad support is a big deal, since the app now takes full advantage of everything your tablet can do and display. You can now video chat with your girlfriend, and see her beauty in all its glory, almost lifelike, taking up the full screen of your iPad. You don’t have to scroll up and down as much to see what you’ve said in the past half hour, because you’ve got your iPad’s entire screen to display the chat history. It’s been a long time coming, and now Viber is here for the iPad.
Viber and the iPad: there’s still a problem, Houston
It’s great that Viber has come out with iPad support, but there is still a major drawback to how the instant messaging platform works, in my eyes. You cannot have the app active on both your iPhone and iPad at the same time, because of limitations on Viber’s end. Even though you now get full iPad support, and everything syncs to your iPhone or iPod touch, you have to deactivate the app on your smaller iOS device before you can activate it on the larger. Every time you want to switch devices, you have to go into the More Options menu on the device you’re using, then select Settings -> Privacy -> Deactivate Account.
For more information on this restriction, visit Viber’s support page.
Final Word
If you’re willing to deal with the annoying process of deactivating your iPhone to use your iPad for Viber, this is terrific news. Finally, you’ll be able to take advantage of the full amount of real estate the larger screen of the iPad gives you for chatting with your friends and family.
Viber is designed for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, and is available on the App Store for free. Credit and sticker packs can be had through in-app purchases starting at $0.99.
