LINE: Calls & Messages

Most messaging apps compete for users. LINE operates differently: in Japan, Thailand and Taiwan it has become so deeply woven into daily life that leaving means dropping out entirely: work chats, family groups, store newsletters and government service notifications all live there. A billion downloads is not a victory in competition, it's a monopoly of habit.

On the technical side, there is little to complain about. Call quality holds up even on unstable connections. Stickers have long outgrown the role of emoji, it's a market of its own with thousands of collections, including work from independent creators. Keep Memo handles the need for personal notes without leaving the app. Messages are encrypted, and the interface stays in sync across phone, computer and Wear OS.

The accumulated issues do damage the overall picture. Notifications stop arriving when the app sits in the background too long, a chronic problem that has been living in user reviews for several years. The moderation system is set up in a way that leaves users with neither an explanation nor any chance to challenge a decision. The newly introduced requirement to link a profile to Apple or Google was met with visible pushback. Data collection is broad, including location.

For those whose entire social circle is inside LINE, there is no real choice. For everyone else is worth thinking twice.

Features:

• Calls, video chat and messaging: free for all users.
• A sticker ecosystem of its own with thousands of creator-made collections.
• Built-in Keep Memo notepad for notes and media files.
• End-to-end encryption via Letter Sealing technology.
• Unified interface across phone, computer and smartwatch.
• Background mode regularly cuts off incoming notifications.
• Moderation system bans without warning and without appeal.
• Login requires linking to the Apple or Google ecosystem.
• Location data and a broad range of personal information shared with third parties.