Patanjali’s Mobile Messenger App Kimbho Is Under Development

Patanjali, a well-known Indian brand founded by Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, has made headlines in the past for its foray into the telecommunications and technology industry. After launching a Swadeshi SIM card, the company announced the Kimbho messaging app, which was intended to rival WhatsApp and other popular instant messaging apps.

However, the journey of Kimbho app development has been far from smooth. The app was first launched as a trial version, received a significant response, and was downloaded by over 1.5 lakh (150,000) users. Unfortunately, due to technical issues and security concerns, it was removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store shortly after its debut.

Despite the initial setback, Baba Ramdev recently confirmed during a press conference in London that the team is working on resolving these issues and will take at least two more months for a complete technical setup. The company aims to ensure that the app infrastructure can handle high user traffic while offering a secure and smooth user experience.

What Happened to the Kimbho App?

In May 2018, Patanjali Ayurveda Limited officially announced the Kimbho app, positioning it as a “Swadeshi” alternative to WhatsApp. The app gained immediate traction, with many eager to try an Indian-developed messaging app. However, within just 24 hours of launch, the app was removed from the Play Store due to alleged privacy vulnerabilities.

The company’s spokesperson, Mr. SK Tijarawala, initially reassured users via Twitter that the app was undergoing technical improvements and would be relaunched soon. However, despite this statement, no official re-release has happened to date.

Why Was the Kimbho App Removed?

There were several reasons behind the sudden removal of the Kimbho messaging app:

1. Security Concerns:
   Cybersecurity experts pointed out that the app had significant security flaws, making user data vulnerable to hacking.
2. Technical Issues:
   The app reportedly struggled to handle high traffic efficiently, which raised concerns about scalability and performance.
3. Fake Apps Proliferation:
   After Kimbho was pulled down, over 21 fake versions of the app appeared on the Google Play Store, posing a major risk to user data privacy.
4. Lack of End-to-End Encryption:
   Unlike WhatsApp, which provides end-to-end encryption, Kimbho’s security framework was questionable, making it easy for hackers to access user conversations.
5. Rushed Launch Without Proper Testing:
   The app seemed to have been launched without rigorous testing, leading to technical glitches and vulnerabilities.

📚 Also Read:

• The latest trends in mobile apps development
• you can access WhatsApp on big screen Desktop Pc

Kimbho App vs. WhatsApp: Can It Compete?

If Patanjali relaunches Kimbho, it will have to compete with WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, which dominate the instant messaging app market. Here’s how Kimbho could position itself:

Feature	WhatsApp	Kimbho (Planned)
Ownership	Meta (formerly Facebook)	Patanjali
User Base	2.5+ Billion Users	N/A (Yet to Relaunch)
Security	End-to-End Encryption	TBD
Features	Messaging, Voice & Video Calls, Groups	Messaging, Voice & Video Calls (Planned)
Monetization	Free with Business Features	Free (Unknown Business Model)
Privacy	Some Metadata Collection	Promised No Data Selling

What’s Next for Kimbho?

During his press conference, Baba Ramdev reassured that the technical team is working on improving Kimbho’s infrastructure to ensure a smooth experience for users. He also emphasized that the app would be a truly Indian alternative to foreign-owned apps.

However, as of today, no official relaunch date has been announced. It remains uncertain whether Patanjali will re-enter the instant messaging market or scrap the project entirely.

FAQs About the Kimbho Messaging App

1. What is the Kimbho messaging app?

Kimbho is an Indian messaging app developed by Patanjali, intended to compete with WhatsApp and provide a Swadeshi alternative for Indian users.

2. Why was the Kimbho app removed from Google Play Store?

The app was removed due to security flaws, technical issues, and concerns over data privacy. Additionally, several fake Kimbho apps started appearing, causing further confusion.

3. Will the Kimbho app be relaunched?

According to Baba Ramdev, the app is under development, and a potential relaunch may happen in the future, but no exact date has been provided.

4. What are the key features expected in the Kimbho app?

If relaunched, Kimbho is expected to offer:

• Instant messaging
• Voice and video calls
• Group chats
• Multi-device support
• Enhanced privacy features

5. Is Kimbho safer than WhatsApp?

Kimbho’s initial version had severe security flaws. If the app is reintroduced, Patanjali must ensure robust encryption and privacy protections to match WhatsApp’s security standards.

6. Can Kimbho compete with WhatsApp?

Kimbho will face an uphill battle against WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, which already have a massive user base and offer advanced features.

7. How can I download Kimbho?

As of now, Kimbho is not available for download on Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Beware of fake versions circulating online.

8. What makes Kimbho different from other messaging apps?

Kimbho was marketed as a “Swadeshi alternative” with a focus on Indian users. However, unless it offers unique features and better privacy, it will struggle to differentiate itself.

9. What are the biggest challenges for Kimbho?

• Regaining user trust
• Ensuring top-notch security
• Competing against WhatsApp and Telegram
• Handling high traffic efficiently
• Developing a sustainable business model

10. What should users do until Kimbho relaunches?

Users looking for privacy-focused alternatives can consider Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp Business, depending on their needs.

Conclusion

The Kimbho messaging app, introduced by Patanjali, had an exciting but short-lived debut. While the idea of a Swadeshi messaging platform attracted massive attention, security vulnerabilities, fake apps, and technical issues led to its removal.

If Baba Ramdev’s team successfully reintroduces the Kimbho app, it will need major improvements in security, scalability, and user experience to compete with WhatsApp and other established players in the instant messaging industry.

Until then, users should be cautious of fake Kimbho apps and wait for an official announcement from Patanjali regarding the app’s future.