LINE is a popular communication application for iPhone and Android that enables users to make free calls and send SMS messages from anywhere in the world. There is also a desktop program available for Windows and Mac OS X for those who wish to use it on their computer instead. Though the application is extremely similar to other free call applications such as Skype, what makes LINE unique is its high range of customization in its user interface. LINE offers users to download and pay for stickers, which are basically large and over dramatic emoticons of people, animals, and iconic characters from Evangelion and even some original sets. Combine that with the stickers, and the options for user customization are endless!
Additionally, LINE also comes with a camera application that has better quality and filters than most preset smartphone cameras. Similar to Instagram, it can take photos and allows users to personalize them with cropping, custom borders, and filters with more options for lighting. However, unlike Instagram, LINE also allows users to decorate their photos with stickers, ranging from stickers with phrases like “cute” and alphabet letters, to stickers of characters and dazzling effects. There is also a custom paint brush tool built into LINE, so user can use the touch screen to draw on photos or create a digital painting from scratch. The beauty of these features is that users can edit their photos to be as simple or as detailed as they want with these tools. The only downside of this is having to pay for preset sticker sets. However, with enough artistic ability, people can easily decorate their photos with just as much flare if they download the free LINE brush and make custom edits. There are also social media games available to play similar to those found on Facebook and the app store, so users never get bored while they’re on the go.
The cons of LINE as compared to other popular applications is that is still has yet to enable video calling, and many of the additional filters and add-ons have to be purchased. Users can only send short audio and video messages and are limited in space. Some users are fed up with the uselessness of the stickers, and if you don’t like sending or receiving emoticons, you may find them repetitive and annoying. However, to balance its lack of video capability, LINE offers much more flexibility than FaceTime and overall is one of the most customizable apps to date. From backgrounds, stickers, brushes, and photo effects, LINE’s store is constantly being updated and tries to provide something likeable for everyone. Overall, as technology improves, LINE is predicted to eventually allow more video capability.
I would personally give the LINE application a 4/5, because it takes the most unique features of currently popular apps on the market and combines all of them to a single application set. Of all of the free social applications that I’ve used, LINE offers the most customization. It even allows users to post statuses and has a profile system that is similar to Facebook’s timeline layout so people can easily communicate with one another and customize their header image. Unlike Skype, that is limited to just calling and SMS, or Instagram, that is limited to a preset amount of filters, LINE builds off of all of them and creates an app that contains all of the features that users desire to create social media and interact with others. While I was in Japan, I used LINE very frequently to keep in touch with my friends and family back in the States. I am grateful to find an application that is easily accessible, has a unique user interface, and that is usable by people of all ages. Therefore, I would highly recommend this application to people who travel often and wish to use an app that can share media with an individual touch.
Adventures in Japan (日本の冒険) 