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The problem is that most of the messaging apps depend on someone's server somewhere and mean that all your messages are going through their server and they have control. You know the old saying: if you're getting something for free then you are not the customer, you're the product.
All of these apps are trying to be a walled garden. What we need is an interoperable protocol that allows any app that uses it to work together. Like SMS, but not run by evil phone companies who charge the something like $1000 per megabyte.
This already exists. It's called XMPP.
The only drawbacks I see is that it still requires servers and doesn't have end-to-end encryption. If it could be made to work on a decentralised mesh network, like the Bitcoin network, it'll fit the bill perfecly.
If Facebook succeeds at integrating Whatsapp to Messenger, I think they'll have a strong contender. Whatsapp is no-frills, simple texting that includes the possibility to share pictures, locations, videos, etc, whereas Messenger has all your Facebook contacts built right in.
If they can do that, and release a PC interface for Whatsapp, then I'd probably use that exclusively. But as it stands, I'm switching between Messenger, Whatsapp, Hangouts, and Kakao Talk, depending on who I talk to and what platforms I have at hand at any given time.
Another problem with IM'ing is most all are platform specific, Kindle HDX and no G+ chat without breaking my HDX, stupid!!
After reading the article, I downloaded WeChat just to see what the author loves so much about it. Under "recommended contacts" it found 10 or so numbers that are apparently already registered with WeChat. But none of these numbers matched up with my friends at all. The only thing I can think is WeChat doesn't allow you to remove a number from your account if you get a new one. Or people are just lazy and don't bother.