LINE introducess Hidden Chats Feature

LINE has announced the release of the Hidden Chats feature for the Android and iPhone versions of the LINE app. The new feature lets users send messages with a time-limit attached to them.

Hidden Chats can be used in 1-to-1 chats between supported devices. A separate room exclusive to Hidden Chats is created and a filter attached to the messages makes it impossible to view the contents directly. Text, stickers, images, location info, and contact info can be sent, and viewing limits of 2 seconds, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 1 minute, 1 hour, 1 day, or 1 week can be attached to the messages.

The receiver of the message can tap the protected content to view it, at the same time starting the countdown timer for the message. After the predetermined amount of time passes, the contents of the message will be automatically deleted.

Through the introduction of the Hidden Chats feature, LINE hopes to increase the convenience and safety that its service offers to its users.

Supported Environments for Hidden Chats are iPhone 4,4S, or 5 smartphones with iOS 5.0 or later, or smartphones with Android 2.3 or later.

The feature can be used after updating the app to the latest version. The Hidden Chats feature is not available in Japan or China and does not offer support for BlackBerry, Windows Phone, or Nokia devices.