

I tested on both a desktop PC and a Surface RT tablet. It works on both Windows 8.1 x86 and Windows RT ARM-based tablets. You get the free Viber app by downloading it from the Windows Store (Opens in a new window).

Let's take the app for a spin and see how well Viber works at what it can do.

It doesn't, however, replace Apple FaceTime or Skype's similar video capabilities. Giving you the same messaging system and ID on your phone, tablet, and PC means Viber is in effect a cross-platform version of iMessage, which is restricted to Apple devices. The Windows 8.1 Viber app (free) is its latest incarnation, having landed in the last month of 2013. Viber doesn't add a whole lot to the Skype model, actually lacking several of the bigger player's major features, but it's a well designed and economical way to send text messages and place VoIP calls. First there was email, then instant messaging, then Skype, then WhatsApp, then Facebook Messenger, and on and on.
