Instant messaging was first introduced in 1997 with the launch of AIM (AOL Instant Messenger), which changed how people communicated online. For the first time, AIM allowed users to send real-time messages, create contact lists, and engage in group chats, marking a shift from traditional forms of communication like email. 

Fast-forward to today, and instant messaging has grown beyond simple texting, involving a range of multimedia tools like voice and video calls, file sharing, and even AI assistants. 

Globally, each region now has its preferred messaging app. In North America, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are the most popular. Mark Zuckerberg recently shared that WhatsApp alone boasts over 100 million monthly active users in the U.S., highlighting its widespread popularity nationwide. 

Meanwhile, in China, WeChat has become the go-to messaging app, transforming into a comprehensive ecosystem integrating social networking, payment systems, and even government services.

However, despite the spread of messaging apps, a major challenge persists: the fragmentation of communication across different networks. With users often picking their preferred communication app depending on their geographic location, cross-platform communication can be difficult, particularly when it comes to voice and conference calls with people from different regions.

Thanks to MKNL Technology Ltd., a telecom provider focusing on network infrastructure and technology solutions, users can now initiate conference calls across different networks.

AnyCalls, MKNL Technology’s latest product, is an app that works to minimize the gap between traditional landline and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) networks and modern messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. The platform’s goal is to integrate widely used communication services with conventional systems, allowing users to connect effortlessly, regardless of their preferred network or platform. 

In the future, MKNL Technology plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) features to further enhance the platform, including automatic transcription, voice modulation, and intelligent answering systems.

AnyCalls also offers its clients a local virtual number to avoid international roaming fees when traveling. While there are platforms on the market providing users with similar services, AnyCalls differentiates itself by unifying the communication in and between VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), GSM, and even PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). This integration allows users to communicate across different platforms, reach regular mobile numbers, or even contact a landline, all using the same virtual number.  

Additionally, this unified system allows any landline, GSM, or VoIP service to dial the virtual number, enabling the user to answer through their preferred method, whether it’s on WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, GSM, or another platform. 

MKNL Technology’s Chairman, Danny Binkin says: As global connectivity grows, our mission is to simplify communication across platforms and networks, ensuring individuals stay connected, no matter the app or location. These three products highlight our commitment to advancing and simplifying communications, and we look forward to continuing to enhance the way people connect and collaborate globally.”

Another common challenge many multilingual users face is managing multiple languages on digital devices, especially when they switch between languages frequently in professional settings. This often leads to errors like typing in the wrong language, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. To address this pain point, MKNL Technology has developed a new keyboard software solution. 

The keyboard software will support all languages, however the keyboard itself is limited to four languages due to space constraints and user experience consideration. The software automatically detects the language the user is typing in, highlighting only the active language while the others will remain invisible. 

For users who don’t always look at the keyboard while typing, the software can be personalized to suit their needs. At this year’s CES (Consumer Electronics Show), MKNL Technology showcased several options, including the Snow-Globe Bluetooth Option, which displays the active language with color-coded lights; Monitor Box Display Option, which shows the language details in a clear and customizable interface; and the USB-based Light Button, which provides quick visual confirmation of selected language settings. 

MKNL Technology is working to make technology that actually solves problems users are facing on a day-to-day basis. By streamlining processes and enhancing user experiences, it is creating solutions that connect people and businesses globally, prioritizing simplicity and convenience in every product.