In another turn of events, Samsung has now confirmed that its ChatOn messaging service will be shut down next year after all, despite firmly stating that reports about killing the service were false just three weeks ago.
Early this morning, Samsung stated that its ChanOn messenger would but shut down in Korea on February 1st 2015, as the company moves to focus on more popular health and mobile commerce products. The company has since confirmed that the service would also be terminated throughout the rest of the world on the same date, with the single exception of the US, where the service will remain in place until sometime later in Q1 2015.
Here is what Samsung had to say about the matter:
On February 1, 2015, ChatON will be discontinued in all markets except the United States, as we strive to meet evolving consumer needs by focusing on our core services.
There you have it, ChatOn’s 100 million users in over 200 different countries will have to find an alternative service to use early next year. Fortunately, users will be able to store their chat records, photos and videos shared through the messenger before the plug is pulled.
ChatOn’s user base is significantly smaller than its competitors and Samsung likely winding down its moderately successful application as it looks to restructure its Mobile Solutions Center division. Exactly why Samsung has given out contradictory statements about the service is still a mystery.
Will you miss ChatOn when it is shutdown next year?