New Delhi: In a flurry of innovation that’s sending ripples across India’s tech ecosystem, homegrown software giant Zoho Corporation has unleashed a trio of game-changing apps this year, challenging Silicon Valley behemoths head-on. From a WhatsApp-rivalling messaging marvel to an AI-infused collaboration powerhouse, Zoho’s latest offerings are fuelling fervent online chatter about digital self-reliance and sustainable tech alternatives.
Leading the charge is Arattai, Zoho’s lightweight instant messaging app, which exploded onto the scene with a beta launch earlier this year and now boasts over 7.5 million downloads as of early October.
What sets it apart? An Android TV version for seamless big-screen chats — a feature WhatsApp hasn’t rolled out even in 2025 — alongside low-bandwidth prowess tailored for rural users. Social media is ablaze with patriotic fervour, with users hailing it as a “Made-in-India” triumph and ministers and CEOs advocating for a swadeshi shift. One viral X post quipped, “Indians are shifting to Zoho — the rise of homegrown apps!” Arattai’s App Store dominance in India’s social networking category has sparked debates on privacy and accessibility, positioning Zoho as a low-cost disruptor in a market dominated by global giants.
Hot on its heels is Vani, unveiled on October 1 as a visual-first collaboration platform to rival Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. This AI-driven “infinite canvas” blends whiteboards, mind maps, flowcharts, and video calls into one seamless workspace, ditching app-switching for fluid ideation-to-execution workflows.
Zoho’s official X announcement garnered over 1,300 likes, with tech enthusiasts raving about its potential for hybrid teams: “Proudly #MadeInIndia, made for the world!” Early adopters praise its templates and integrations, but some flag onboarding tweaks needed for broader appeal.
Rounding out the buzz is Zia’s 2025 upgrade — a large language model powering enterprise AI across Zoho’s suite, from analytics to low-code app building. X threads glow with user testimonials, like one entrepreneur who ditched “indispensable” US tools for Zoho’s ecosystem and credited CEO Sridhar Vembu as “the greatest visionary.”
The government’s nod to Zoho for official email and office software has amplified the hype, with billboards popping up in Toronto and Delhi. As one analyst noted, “Zoho’s not just building apps; it’s architecting India’s digital sovereignty.” With downloads surging and conversations trending #SwadeshiTech, Zoho’s app renaissance is proving that innovation with Indian roots can go global — without the Big Tech baggage.