Google plans to release its own WhatsApp-esque messaging app

The Economic Times is reporting that Google is working hard to launch a messaging service similar to WhatsApp. Because what the world definitely needs is another messaging app. While every tech company under the suns continues to try and crack messaging once and for all, without ever really seeming to know how to go about it, the Times suggests that Google is working on a WhatsApp competitor, initially focused on emerging markets like India.

After losing WhatsApp to Facebook in a multibillion dollar acquisition bid, Google is planning to launch its own mobile messaging app which the search giant is likely to test in India and other emerging markets. Last month, Google sent top product manager Nikhyl Singhal to India to do a recce of the messaging app ecosystem in the country as the company looks to catch up on an opportunity it lost to others. The Google messenger is in early stages of development and is likely to be launched in 2015, sources aware of the plans said. A Google spokesperson, however, declined to comment. Google reportedly made an offer of over $10 billion (Rs 60,000 crore) to buy Whatsapp, the instant messaging app which was ultimately bought by Facebook for $19 billion Rs 1.2 lakh crore) in one of the largest technology deals.