LINE launches Popcorn Buzz app that Allows Free Group Calls to 200 People

Japan-based, LINE Corporation recently launched Popcorn Buzz, an Android app that features free group calls to hundreds of people all at once.

News of this app has caught the attention of the media, as it boasts of being able to make a conference call to a whopping 200 people simultaneously, giving its rivals like Skype, Kakao Talk, Google and other similar conference calling services, a run for their money.

The Japan-based company announced that its new app is available for smartphones running on Android 4.0 and higher and can be used over various networks on 3G, 4G, LTE and WiFi.

In fact, the app is now live on Google Play and downloadable for all LINE fanatics who wish to talk with friends and family in lieu of other conference calling apps, since users can utilize it both for personal and business uses for "free". 

Currently, LINE is reported to have more than 205 million users and caters mostly to a heavy percentage of its consumers in Japan. However the company recently announced that Popcorn Buzz also provides free group calls to business users worldwide.

LINE, on its website describes Popcorn Buzz service as a "powerful group call funtionality" that can be used to "talk with friends and family, catch up with classmates, make plans with club members, and more".

As it comes for free, Popcorn Buzz is a perfect alternative for existing paid business-grade conference call services.

After the app is downloaded, users can proceed with the sign-up and choose a username selectively along with a profile picture. After which, a group call can be set up easily through a specific URL which can be sent via text or email. 

Users can then invite friends to join the group call. All users can see the rest of the user's icons who are in the conference call.  The one talking during the group call is distinguishable only through blinking green dots on its user's icon that lights up every time someone talks.

For now, Popcorn Buzz is only available as a voice chat but LINE says that it is looking into the possibility of having a video chat interface in the future, which might make the app, as the most powerful communication business tool from a mobile perspective.