Samsung ChatON Messaging service to shut down in February

Samsung ChatON Messaging service to shut down in February
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Samsung is shutting its free ChatOn Messaging service next year.

Samsung has confirmed that it is shutting down its ChatOn Messaging service in February next year. The electronics giant has advised users to save their chat records, photos and videos shared via app before the app is shut down.

Last month reports of Samsung planning to close its ChatON service emerged, when Korea Times stated that Samsung officials had claimed that the company plans to close the instant messaging service "to restructure unprofitable businesses and improve profitability". An official was quoted as saying, "ChatON isn't a business that can show improvement in the future."

Samsung had denied rumors that it was shutting down it service. However, the electronics giant has now issued a statement to Engadget, which read, "On February 1, 2015, ChatON will be discontinued in all markets except the United States, as we strive to meet evolving consumer needs by focusing on our core services. We remain committed to offering services that cater to our consumers' lifestyles and add value to their everyday lives."

The ChatON messaging app was preloaded on all Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Samsung had claimed in 2013 that its ChatON app had 100 million users worldwide, however the service was not as popular as Samsung claimed. According to a recent survey showed that users spent only six seconds per month on ChatOn, as compared with 11 hours on Facebook and over an hour on Instagram. The free messaging app couldn't catch up with its rival messaging apps like Line, WeChat and WhatsApp.

Source: Engadget

Silky Malhotra

Silky Malhotra

Silky Malhotra loves learning about new technology, gadgets, and more. When she isn’t writing, she is usually found reading, watching Netflix, gardening, travelling, or trying out new cuisines. View Full Profile

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