Viber update brings money transfer, chats backup and GIFs

Following the likes of Messenger and Hallo, Viber will now let users send animated images called GIFs during conversations.

Following the likes of Messenger and Hallo, Viber will now let users send animated images called GIFs during conversations.

The communication app, Viber is getting a much needed update to stay in the competition with WhatsApp and other upcoming messaging goliaths. The update for Android and iOS add support for GIFs, transferring money and the ability to backup or restore chats.

"The latest update to Viber for iOS and Android lets users manually back up their text message history to their cloud service (iCloud or Google Drive) and then restore it to the same phone number, even if it is being activated on a new device, as long as it's the same operating system." said the company on a blog post. Which isn't ideal if you're change between an Android and iPhone.

Following the likes of Messenger and Hallo, Viber will now let users send animated images called GIFs during conversations. The app also works with Western Union tech to bring money transfer feature to the app. Viber users can send money to Western Union agent -- from whom cash can then be collected -- or transfer the money directly to a bank account -- in the 50 countries that support the feature supported.

After adding support for Windows 10 earlier this year, Viber on iOS will also support the Apple Watch to bring notifications and instant replies to the wrist.