Samsung is powering down its ChatOn messaging app, report says

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Published 25 Nov 2014

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Samsung may be dialing back its instant messaging service, ChatOn. The Korea es reports that the company will start shutting it off gradually in parts of the world where its usage is low.

However, Samsung may not nix the service entirely. It’s currently available in 120 countries 63 different languages, topping out with 100 million participants, at one point. Instead of killing it off, according to the report, the South Korean company will focus on markets where it’s more popular. It also may look into how many active users it has, as ChatOn comes preinstalled on most Samsung phones.

Samsung is re-evaluating many of its software options, trying to only put its efforts into what catches fire. Typically Samsung devices are loaded with proprietary software of questionable quality. Its currently charging ahead with its Milk video music service, which faces steep competition with Spotify, Beats, Soundcloud, ay Music all with compelling streaming alternatives.

There’s a lot of introspection going around at Samsung, with rumors the co-CEO in charge of mobile may get replaced after multiple quarterly profit drops.

The story behind the story: To its credit, Samsung may be rethinking its previous way of doing business, which has centered around more phones  more software choices. Messaging is one area that Samsung just doesn’t need to bother with, as there are already many good, popular, Android instant messaging apps. us, a lot of people just use plain ol’ SMS. Even has dialed back its Hangouts ambitions a bit, building a separate texting picture messaging app.