Mxit (pronounced “mix it”) is a free instant messaging software application that allows you to chat, share files and photos with friends on mobile phones and laptops. Mxit runs on multiple mobile and computing platforms. It is created in such a way that along with its own standard protocol, it can connect to Yahoo messenger, ICQ, Google Talk, Facebook, AIM, or Windows Live Messenger contacts allowing you to interact with your friends on any of those platforms or on the Mxit platform itself with millions of people.
The software application was developed by Mxit (Pty) Ltd. in South Africa. In 2007, the company actually commissioned their European Data Centre located in Frankfurt, Germany to take over the international traffic from the servers in South Africa. Kenya became the first country outside South Africa where Mxit was launched and as such Kenyans had access to the full range of features.
In 2013, a study by World Wide Worx showed that Mxit had 7.4 million monthly active subscribers in July 2013. Over six million of that number were South Africans. The software, however, travelled the world. It operated in numerous international markets including Malaysia, India, Indonesia, United Kingdom, United States, Nigeria, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, and Portugal.
The service, however, had some problems. For instance, when it was tested by the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s secure messaging scorecard, it scored 0 out of 7 points. It could not get even a modicum of scores due to a lack of encryption tech but also because of these other reasons;
- Users could not verify contact identities
- Past messages were not secure if the encryption keys were stolen
- The code was not open to independent review
- The security design was not properly documented
- There had not been a recent independent code audit
Unfortunately, before the company could hash out all these issues, the creator company announced its closure on October 23, 2015. The intellectual property rights and technology assets then got donated to The Reach Trust, an independent public benefit organisation. The final blow was struck however on September 30, 2016, when it was announced that the service would be closing.
Mxit was first released as a mobile phone Instant Messaging client and the application supports quite a number of mobile phone manufacturers hence are available on a variety of phones. Mxit requires Java application and internet connectivity via CSD, GPRS, 3G or wifi in order to run. Customized versions of Mxit have also been released for the Apple iPhone (via the iTunes App Store), Android, BlackBerry OS and Windows Mobile devices.
Part of what makes Mxit great is that it features some of the standard functions seen in a modern instant messaging client, such as a contact list, file transfers and integrated photo sharing system that utilizes a cellphone’s built-in camera. Profile photos, tabbed conversations and message formatting are also supported.
While using Mxit, you can add contacts by simply entering their mobile phone number or a username and as a user, you are able to change your availability and mood in the menu on the client. You can equally make use of a common chat room and show more expressions by using emoticons.
How to Download and Use Mxit For Blackberry Phones
Download and install the latest version of Mxit by following the steps below using your Blackberry phone browser.
Download Mxit to your BlackBerry now.
- Go to http://m.mxit.com in your phone’s web browser.
- Click ‘Download Mxit’ and your download should start.
- Once done, click on the downloaded Mxit icon.
- Follow the prompts to register and start chatting.
How to Download and Use Mxit on Android Phones
Download Mxit to your Android phone now.
1. Go to https://play.google.com/store in your phone’s browser.
2. Search for Mxit and download the application.
3. Click on the app and get started.
How to Download and Use Mxit on iphone
Note that Mxit is also compatible with the iPod Touch and iPad.
Download Mxit for your iPhone now.
1. Download Mxit from the iTunes store via your computer or iPhone
2. Go to Mxit GPRS page to get GPRS settings for your phone.
How to Download and Use Mxit For Windows Phone
With Windows Phone, you can enjoy a unique Mxit navigation specifically tailored to suit it.
Download the latest version of Mxit on your Windows Phone phone now.
1. Go to http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/marketplace in your phone browser.
2. Search for Mxit and download the application.
3. Find where Mxit was downloaded to and click on it.