We all know hike for the cross-platform smartphone messaging app. Now the developers at hike have built an android based operating system which can work without data. This brand new product is called ‘Total, Built By Hike‘ and will come pre-installed with entry-level smartphones of partner brands. So does it really need no data? let’s find out.
Total By Hike is a refined version of android created by Hike. Total will let users access essential services such as Messaging, News, Recharge and more even without an active data connection. With this, Hike aims to bring the majority of smartphone users in India online. Since this is implemented in a smartphone running Android, you can still use regular data and access Google Play Store for installing favorite apps.
‘Total By Hike’ uses USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) codes for communication. However, according to them, this will be a kind of Supercharged USSD using a patented UTP (Universal Transfer Protocol). This UTP will have smart compression offering better speeds, reliability, accuracy, and security. By implementing UTP, the services with star badges on Total can run with complete User Interface as if they were running on internet data.
Total comes pre-installed with services which can be recognized with STAR badge. As mentioned earlier, these include Messaging, Hike Wallet, Cricket, Recharge, News, Rail info, and Horoscopes.
‘Total By Hike’ is in early stages and will make the first appearance on entry-level smartphones from Intex and Karbon. Starting 1st March 2018, select models of smartphones from these brands will hit the shelves. Airtel, Vodafone, Aircel & BSNL are the telecom partners who worked closely with Hike for implementing USSD technology and Data Upsell on Total. Learn more and contribute to ‘Total, Built By Hike’ here.
‘Total, Built By Hike’ is meant for developing nations like India, where data is still expensive. Moreover, Total requires very little knowledge for handling smartphones, ie fewer steps to get a new smartphone up and running. Hike team is expecting that the potential of Total will create an impact in India as well as other developing nations. Hope the article was informative, Peace!