RakEM is an Android and iOS app that aims to give users control back over their conversations by offering secure and encrypted messaging that even allows reciprocal deletion on both devices. RakEM offers users the peace of mind knowing that none of their messages or images have hit a central server, they are all kept on your device until you decide to delete them. We reviewed RakEM some time ago and we were generally impressed with the overall concept. Now, to join features like the ability to take back an instant message you regret sending, comes voice calling. RakEM has recently been updated with the ability to send and receive voice calls for free over WiFi, 4G or 3G networks. Just like messages and pictures, RakEM makes these voice calls secure through encryption. So, let’s take a look at RakEM and its new voice calling feature.
If you’ve not used Raketu’s RakEM service before, you can download the Android app from the Play Store here. You’ll need to sign up for a free account as well if it’s your first time. If not, just go ahead and launch the app as normal.
Just as I remembered, RakEM takes security so serious that once you’re inside the app, you can no longer take screenshots as the app is protected. This means that those looking to screenshot conversations or images cannot do that with RakEM. The encryption used in RakEM is first-class and no messages are stored on a server somewhere, they are only stored on your device.
A neat feature of RakEM is that if Feliccia wanted to revoke something she’s said, she can do so with RakEM even after the recipient has seen the message. This is because the messages are stored on their devices, so once someone wants to retrieve a message it is no longer on the recipient’s device any more.
Voice calling is the big new feature here, and RakEM now offers an over-the-top option for users. Called over-the-top as these calls go over the top of your network’s service, they save you money by cutting down on your minutes usage and they’re great when you have WiFi, but no cellular service.
We can see in the above screenshot that these voice calls are encrypted, too. This is just another feature that makes RakEM more useful and very few voice calling options offer this sort of encryption. These voice calls are HD quality as well, improving over the standard quality of calls over your cellular network. You can send voice messages as well with this new update. Many other over-the-top services do not use HD quality, let alone encrypt your conversations. The high definition quality of these calls sets RakEM apart from the rest and will ensure the best experience for you and your caller.
RakEM is a great instant messaging app for a number of reasons. First of all, it’s super-secure, with messages not only being encrypted, but stored only on people’s devices, rather than being stored on some sort of central server. This makes RakEM a service that you can use with confidence, knowing that your information or messages cannot be hacked or leaked online as with other services. Now, with the new voice calling feature, you can further use RakEM to save money on your wireless bill and stay safe online. There’s no trouble with quality here either, as long as you have a decent connection you can enjoy very high quality HD calls, without the need to use your cellular provider. It’s a great addition and the calls sound great.
Ratings
- Speed (4/5) – The overall performance of RakEM has improved since the last time I spent time with the app, and it’s now nice and quick for the most part.
- Features (4.5/5) – With the new voice calling feature, RakEM gets even better in this most recent release, and there are features like end-to-end encryption and the peace of mind knowing that you can retrieve a message before somebody sees them.
- Theme (3.5/5) – The UI on Android needs some work as it still feels somewhat dated and with Android 5.0 now available on nearly half of Android devices out there it needs updating.
- Overall (4/5) – With a speed boost, a new voice calling feature and the same super-secure approach to messagin, RakEM once again proves itself as an excellent option to us for getting in touch with people all over the world.
Pros
- Voice calling feature is both HD quality and securely encrypted.
- Ability to delete messages you’ve sent to someone is a great feature, it can help people forget about fights or even take back something you said in haste.
- Great way of saving money on your phone bill, even more so now that there’s voice calls included.
- Encryption at both ends along with the lack of a central server storing messages makes RakEM a great option for those interesting in privacy above all.
Cons
- User interface feels dated and is in need of a fresh coat of paint.
- As with any other service, it only makes sense if your friends and family are willing to adopt it as well.
RakEM is a great option for those looking for a way of contacting friends and families on the cheap as well as securely. The new voice calling feature works well, sounds good and includes end-to-end encryption further keeping things private. RakEM works well, and while the user interface could do with a fresh coat of paint, this is still a solid option for those looking for a secure and private messaging app.