Patym has launched Inbox, chat messaging feature on the Paytm app (currently on Android only).
The service will allow users to chat with friends and family, send and request money at the same time.
The platform is encrypted end-to-end, and users can initiate private conversations and create group chats. They can also send photos and videos instantly, share live location, capture and share moments with the built-in camera,”. The platform also allows users to recall their messages (a feature WhatsApp launched 2 days back) using ‘Delete for All’.
Given that WhatsApp is testing WhatsApp Business feature and will soon roll out UPI based payment, will Paytm Inbox cut the deal?
Is there a use-case?
Will you chat with friends on Paytm? Why?
Is this a game changer?
Ashish Sinha adds: The biggest use-case that Paytm can bring is communicating with sellers and enabling the negotiation feature – but then, that involves rethinking the marketplace model.
Plus, what Paytm can bring to table is online ordering – for e.g. I always pay the sabziwala using Paytm. Why don’t I just message him what I need / pay via chat…and voila! We are done.
I hope Paytm is playing a deeper game and not just adding this feature for the heck of positioning itself as WeChat of India.
In its current form, it looks like a wannabe product and WhatsApp has already taken away the thunder of ‘message recall’ feature, which I believe was supposed to be one big launch differentiator.
By the way, is Neeraj Arora of WhatsApp still on Paytm board? This is a very serious competitive thing going between Paytm and WhatsApp.
