Data pack at Re 1: Hike launches 'Total' to bring next billion people online

To reach out next billion people, Instant messaging app Hike has launched Total, built by hike, a refined version of Android, that lets users access essential services such as messaging, news, recharge even without data connection.

Data rates are very cheapwith Total. One can buy 20 MB pack for Re 1 valid for a day. Horoscope, wallet recharge, payment, railway enquiry, cricket, messaging and news are the services one can use without data. It will be available from March 1.

"We have taken the 15-20 step process of someone coming online and made it into only a few steps. Buy a phone, turn it on and you are good to go. Everything, all the essential services all work out of the box even without data," said Kavin Bharti Mittal, Founder, and CEO, Hike.

"We are the first and only one now who is using USSD technology like this. If you have to get billion people online, you have to get them on data, " he added. Kavin also shared the video of the launch event through his Twitter handle.

“A billion people, mobile first”. What does that mean to you? More importantly, what does that mean for the future of India? The stage is all set at ITC Maurya here today to answer this very question. Join us to find out: https://t.co/RTzxlMCllQ pic.twitter.com/odty04QvTf

— hike (@hikeapp) January 17, 2018

All of the services built on Total can be accessed even without data via proprietary technology. Developed in-house, the proprietary technology, based on the USSD protocol does the heavy lifting of encrypting, compressing and transmitting data.

It has effectively supercharged USSD to help bring an uninterrupted experience to the users even an active data connection. It has four key elements which make the end to end experience extremely seamless.

‘Total, built by Hike’ will be available on 4 models across Intex & Karbonn. The Intex devices with Total are Aqua Lions N1, Aqua Lions T1, Aqua Lions T1-Lite and the Karbonn device is A40 Indian. The devices are scheduled to hit the shelves starting 1st March 2018.

Total users will also get upto Rs. 200 to spend on any of the services when they buy one of these devices, the company mentioned in its blog.

Last week, the company has launched ‘Hike ID’, a unique identity that lets users chat without sharing their mobile numbers.

Hike claims to have over 100 million users though its revenue has gone down in recent years. The company has over 350 employees at two offices in Delhi and Bengaluru. The company also launched many services including payments on its app in April this year, to gain more customers.

The messaging-cum-wallet app had acquired InstaLively Livestreaming and a hyperlocal social networking app Pulse and acqui-hired consumer technology startup Creo.