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Kik Messenger, a cross-platform messaging app, was updated today with new features including the ability to send and receive pictures and chat with multiple people at once. Kik first hit the App Store last April and quickly gained a large user base after a major revamp in October, hitting over 1 million users within two weeks and then 3 million by early January.

The new features and changes in version 4.0.0 are as follows:

FAST PICTURE SHARING

Share moments with your friends as they happen. Send something funny, embarrassing, beautiful – whatever! It’s all about getting your contacts in on the action, instantly and privately, with a picture message.

SIMPLE GROUP CHAT

Easily create groups on-the-go by adding friends to conversations. Share your weekend plans with your friends at work, have a chat with the whole family, tell your entire team you’re running late for practice, etc. Group Chat lets you get the message out to the whole gang in a simple, safe and private way.

SPEED & STABILITY BOOST

Since the beginning, Kik has been known for its blazing speed and dependable service. That’s why we’ve tweaked some things under the hood to make Kik even faster and more reliable. You’re welcome!

OTHER NEATO STUFF

+ A clearer opt-in/opt-out process for the automatic friend-matching feature

+ An improved emoticon set that helps you find that perfect smiley face faster

Kik, a start-up based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, boasts ultra fast and easy messaging similar to Blackberry’s own Blackberry Messenger service. In fact, Kik Messenger used to be available for Blackberry devices but was removed from the Blackberry App World in November over a “breach of contractual obligations” according to RIM. At that time RIM also ended push notification support for Kik Messenger for those already using the app on a Blackberry. Since then, RIM has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Kik.

Kik Messenger is available for the iPhone and Android devices. In the iOS App Store it has a lot of competition from other cross-platform messengers like WhatsApp and PingChat! though Kik’s exploding user base means that your friends may be more likely to use Kik than other apps. Since most of our friends use iPhones, we prefer Textie but Kik is worth a look if you want to send messages quickly to friends and not blow through the text messages you’re allotted on your monthly plan.

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  Kik Messenger

  Last Changed:

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  50 million users love Kik! It's the fast, simple, and personal smartphone messenger that connects you to everyone you love to talk to. Here's why you'll love Kik: FAST: Kik is hands-down the...