User:Dodo0517/sandbox

LINE is a proprietary instant messaging application for smartphones and PCs. In addition to basic messaging, LINE users can send each other images, video, audio media messages and make free VoIP calls.

Initially a mobile application for Android and iOS phones, it has since expanded to Windows Phone as well as desktop computers. A BlackBerry version is currently in development.

As of June, 2012, LINE has more than 49 million users worldwide and is used in over 230 countries.

Development
LINE was launched on June 23rd 2011 by NHN Japan after the Tōhoku earthquake. NHN Japan realized how inconvenient the damaged communication system was and discovered that a data service would work be more efficient. They decided to design an app accessible on smartphones, tablets, and desktops, which would work on the data network and provide continuous and free instant messaging and calling service. The name LINE was originated from the fact that after the incident people had to line up outside of public phones, because in Japan the public phones "are programmed to take priority over networks during and after an earthquake".

In late October 2011, LINE experienced an unexpected overload on the server due to the extreme growth of users around the world; causing outages, and delay in message delivery. After concluding that the scalability process had to be improved, NHN Japan chose to adopt HBase as the primary storage for user profiles, contacts, and groups.

On July 3rd 2012, NHN Japan announced the new features "Home" and "Timeline" for LINE. The new features allow users to share recent development in in life to friends in real time similar to social networking services.

Stickers
One feature of LINE is the Sticker Shop where users are able to purchase virtual stickers depicting original and well-known characters. The stickers are used in chat between users and act as large sized emoji. Users are able to purchase stickers as gifts. Purchased stickers are attached to an account and can be used on other platforms. Stickers are only available for download to users on Android, iOS, and Windows Phone and are purchased through their respective mobile stores. New stickers are released weekly. Some stickers are released only for a limited time and are usually in commemoration of events (e.g the 2012 Summer Olympics).

Features

 * Multiplatform
 * Optional address book syncing
 * Real-time confirmation when messages are sent and delivered
 * Share photos, videos, music and more with people
 * Send current or any specific location
 * Send emoji, stickers and emoticons to friends
 * Create and join groups where you can chat and share media
 * Bulletin boards (up to 100 people at once) for groups
 * Add friends through the use of QR code
 * Add friends through NFC by shaking their phones
 * Direct Pop-out message box for easier reading and replying
 * New Timeline and Home page features on iOS and Android
 * Windows and Mac users can access via the Desktop version, and smart-tablet users via the Browser  version



LINE Related Apps
Naver has released a number of applications that are compatible with LINE.

LINE Camera
Provides users with the ability to decorate your photos. The photo database ranges over 700 LINE stickers and over 100 frames. These pictures can also be shared on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. Available both on iPhone and Android for free. Comparable to Instagram.

LINE Card
Allows users to send and share cards for celebrations such as Birthdays and anniversaries. It also allows the user to add a personal message. Available both on iOS and Android for free.

LINE Brush
Line brush is a painter App which allows users to edit their pictures with 27 stylish brushes,15 photo brushes and adjust the finest details. It's only available on the iOS system.

Similar Software

 * Whatsapp
 * Viber
 * BlackBerry Messenger (bundled with Blackberry)
 * iMessage (bundled with iOS)
 * Linphone (Free software)
 * WeChat
 * eBuddy XMS
 * Google Talk (bundled with Android)
 * KakaoTalk
 * Kik Messenger
 * Trillian
 * Meebo
 * iCall
 * ChatON