Developer updates Kimbho to Bolo Messenger: Patanjali says not official app

The developer of Kimbho, the desi rival to WhatsApp, has silently updated the application to Bolo Messenger. SK Tijarawala, spokesperson for Patanjali Yogpeeth, confirmed that this was not the official rebranding of Kimbho app and that a new version of Kimbho was still in the works.

The developer of the app, Aditi Kamal, in an email said that the Indian alternative to WhatsApp is now available for download on Android and will be rolled out to iOS users soon. Users who had not uninstalled or were still using the Kimbho app can update to Bolo through this link.

Aditi said that she owned the IP for Kimbho app, which was based on her Bolo app. She added that her team was not working Baba Ramdev's next iteration of Kimbho app.

Patanjali's Tijarawala issued a statement later to announce that the official Kimbho app will be available for public via Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

"We are currently working on adding new features that will revolutionize the field of communication and collaboration. Our app is undergoing rigorous testing to provide a unique and wonderful experience to its users. Please beware of fraudulent messages and companies using Patanjali name to forward their fake apps. We are thankful to you for your support and patience. Kimbho team, he added.

The updated Bolo app asks users to re-login with SMS-based verification. The Bolo app, erstwhile Kimbho, comes with a new logo and interface. The new app also addresses the security concerns as it has end-to-end encryption just like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

The Bolo app, erstwhile Kimbho, comes with a new logo and interface. The new app also addresses the security concerns as it has end-to-end encryption just like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

Bolo messaging app has an interface quite similar to WhatsApp. On opening the app you will see three tabs with your chats, contacts, and activity. There's also an icon below which takes you to your contact list for a new chat as seen on WhatsApp. This app has common chat features like emoji, voice messages along with voice and video calling.

Bolo messaging app also has 'Swadeshi' stickers with Hindi phrases. There's also a doodle option on Bolo with different options for pen styles and colours. More features that can be found under the settings menu include profile edits for your name and birthday. Users have options to customise media downloads on mobile data and Wi-Fi connectivity. There's an option to hide read receipts and one's online status as well.

"Our mission is to promote Swadesi Tech Revolution and support Make in India movement. We are building products to provide Swadesi platform to connect Indians in a safe and secure environment," says the app description.

Backed by Yoga guru Ramdev, the Kimbho application was removed from the Google Play store a few hours after its launch as Kimbho on May 30.

SK Tijarawala, spokesperson for Patanjali Yogpeeth, had said the app was launched on trial basis for just one day. It saw more than 150,000 downloads on Google Play Store within three hours of the launch, he added.

(The story has been updated with the statement issued by Patanjali.)