[10] The timeline feature came back after multiple user requests[11] and the introduction of a personalized digital envelope called Blue Packets for sending monetary gifts through a built-in wallet.

[12] In 2017, the acquisition of Bengaluru-based startup Creo was announced to enable third-party developers to build services on top of the Hike platform.

[15] In January 2019, the company discarded the previous super-app approach, and began launching specialized apps for specific use-cases.

[16] In May 2019, Hike announced a collaboration with Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi (IIIT-D) to develop a variety of machine learning models.

[19] The app also started showing live Cricket scores in collaboration with Cricbuzz,[20] as well as news, casual games, and social media feeds.

[22] With the launch of version 2.9.2.0 in January 2015, Hike implemented support for sending uncompressed images and a "quick upload" feature optimized for 2G speed.

[28] Hike launched News Feed with Hindi language support on 29 September 2015 to cater for the needs of the non-English population.

[29] Hike launched version 3.5 as the biggest update[30] for Windows Phone 8.1 during December 2015 which changed the user interface for more simpler navigation, supported sending unlimited non-media files and documents of any format and better group admin settings.

[33] On 24 December, 2016, Hike rolled out a short 20-second Video Stories feature that can be directly shared with friends or posted on a public timeline with different filters in collaboration with content creators with the same 48-hour time limit before being automatically deleted.

[41] The Hike Direct feature is based on the technology known as WiFi Direct, which initially was also called WiFi P2P[42] and got introduced to users by October 2015, which enables sharing of files such as music, apps, videos without a live internet connection within a 100-meter radius by creating a wireless network between two or more devices with a transfer speed of 100MB per minute.

For privacy and security reasons, Hike didn't show the recipient's location or proximity and works only when two users are connected in the same room by adding one another into the contact list.

[43] In June 2017, Hike announced the launch of version 5.0 with multiple new features like User Chat Themes, Night Mode and Magic Selfie.

This is what prompted the developers to come up with Hike ID as the solution which makes it easier as well as secure for users to chat without having to share or save phone numbers.

[56] With the stable release, it included 200 more customized options like 20 skin shades, over a million eyes colours, more than 400 accessories, dimples, freckles, cheek-lines and more.

Computer vision and deep neural networks enable the platform to search around 100 trillion combinations of facial shape and color reflecting the user's looks within a few seconds.

Hike Moji version 1.0 (beta) alone created over 1 million plus stickers upon its launch in a control group of users.

[62] An article from 10 December 2012 published on German website Spiegel Online where app testers of MediaTest Digital found out while analyzing the data traffic of Hike version 1.0.5 for iOS that it transmits messages, phone numbers and unique device identification number (UDID) unencrypted and has full access to the phone address book.

[64][65] As of June 2019, all chats and calls are now being protected by 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard, and messages stored locally on a device are auto backed-up to its cloud server with zero data consumption.

[66] In January 2018, the company announced the launch of Total which is a customized version of Android that uses its own proprietary technology called UTTP,[67] which is based on Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) protocol that is supported by nearly all GSM phones that allowed users to access services on their mobile even in the offline mode or without internet.

[68] Hike announced Intex Technologies, Karbonn Mobiles as device partners and BSNL, Aircel as telecom service providers.

Hike announced the availability of the Total platform for 'Mera Pehla Smartphone' initiative launched by Airtel India.

It wasn't available for download on Google Play as it is exclusive to handset models produced by partner original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The initial target is capturing of 15 to 20 percent youth population in India and a wider base from tier-1 and tier-2 cities since maximum growth is coming from Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Jaipur.

We thank you for creating amazing memories with us on Hike Sticker Chat and giving us your love and trust for so many years We wouldn’t be here without each and every one of you.