Ramdev's Kimbho app updated to Bolo, Patanjali says not official
The desi, 'WhatsApp-killer' messaging app Kimbho was silently updated to be called 'Bolo Messenger' by its developer, but Patanjali said that this wasn't the official rebranding and that a new version of Kimbho is still in making. The developer of Kimbho, Aditi Kamal, said in an email that Bolo is currently available for Android, and would be available for iOS soon. Here's more.
Patanjali's statement on the Bolo app
The Bolo app has no mention of Ramdev or Patanjali
The updated app asks new users to log-in and existing Kimbho users to re-login using SMS-based verification. Notable changes in the app include tighter security in the form of WhatsApp-like end-to-end encryption, a new logo, and a new interface. Interestingly, the updated Bolo Messenger has no mention of Baba Ramdev or Patanjali, while the company name has been changed to Bolo Bharat Communications.
Bolo has an interface similar to WhatsApp
With a dark green and white interface, the Bolo app has a similar layout like WhatsApp. Upon opening the app, you'll come across three tabs at the top - Chats, Contacts, and Activity. At the bottom right is a circular button which allows you to start a chat with contacts. Functionality-wise, Bolo supports voice notes, voice calling, and video calling.
Apart from privacy features, Bolo adds a desi touch
Basic chat functionalities apart, Bolo also adds a desi touch with 'Swadeshi' stickers that even have Hindi phrases. Additionally, there's a doodling option in Bolo wherein users can use multiple virtual pens and brushes, as well as colors to doodle. Other customizations like profile edits can be found under Settings. Notably, there are options to hide read receipts and one's online status as well.
