Hike now allows you to chat and transfer files without using any data!

Indian instant messaging platform Hike launched a new feature Hike Direct today. The first in category feature allows users to chat, exchange stickers, transfer photos and heavy files using a smartphone's Wi-Fi Direct feature.

This one-on-one chat options allows smartphones within a 100 meter radius to bypass all telecom networks and pair directly. The company's planning to launch Hike Web by next year. It is also considering to connect up to 10 people.

Speaking at the launch, Kavin Mittal, Founder and CEO of Hike said, "Hike Direct will add a new dimension to messaging. One can get speeds up to 40 Mbit/sec when sharing files." When asked about monetization Kavin says they'll consider it after they reach the 100 million users mark.

The new feature would be available on Hike 4.0.6 and above on Android. The iOS and Windows launch will follow next year.

Hike has 70 million users as of September 2015. The company is seeing 100% YoY growth and is India's 2nd biggest messaging app.

Image credit: Indiatimes