Indian messaging app Arattai will now support video calls on Android TVs
Homegrown personal messaging app Arattai is now available on Android TV. Making an announcement on X, Zoho chief scientist Sridhar Vembu said the app will enable an improved video call experience, adding that the app will soon receive updates this year.
Key features
The app can create, schedule, and enable users to join meetings, making it suitable for professional use. It requires Android 7 or later to access it on smart TVs. Users can navigate the app using the TV remote after signing up.
Arattai lets users connect a video camera or microphone via the USB port on their TV for a good video call experience.
User feedback
Following the announcement, users shared feedback and suggestions highlighting real-world challenges with video calls on TVs — particularly microphone limitations.
One user pointed out that audio capture is often problematic during calls using the TV and suggested a feature that allows people to answer calls using the TV for video but another device for audio. Responding to this, Vembu confirmed that Arattai will soon allow smartphones to function as microphones while the TV acts as the display. He said the feature is currently under development.
Another user highlighted limitations in budget webcams, noting poor audio pickup beyond 4–6 feet, lack of field-of-view controls, and the absence of AI-based face or voice detection. Some users even suggested that Zoho consider building a dedicated Arattai-branded webcam to address these issues.
Yet another user recommended integrating a full-fledged payments system directly into Arattai, tightly coupled with its messaging features. Vembu responded that the team is actively working on such a system, acknowledging that no company in India has yet perfected this integration.
People also asked about Zoho’s earlier communications product Zillum, and whether it had been discontinued or folded into Arattai. Vembu clarified that Zillum is not discontinued and will be integrated with Arattai going forward.
Arattai on your Android TV
Key features
The app can create, schedule, and enable users to join meetings, making it suitable for professional use. It requires Android 7 or later to access it on smart TVs. Users can navigate the app using the TV remote after signing up.
Arattai lets users connect a video camera or microphone via the USB port on their TV for a good video call experience.
User feedback
Following the announcement, users shared feedback and suggestions highlighting real-world challenges with video calls on TVs — particularly microphone limitations.
One user pointed out that audio capture is often problematic during calls using the TV and suggested a feature that allows people to answer calls using the TV for video but another device for audio. Responding to this, Vembu confirmed that Arattai will soon allow smartphones to function as microphones while the TV acts as the display. He said the feature is currently under development.
Another user highlighted limitations in budget webcams, noting poor audio pickup beyond 4–6 feet, lack of field-of-view controls, and the absence of AI-based face or voice detection. Some users even suggested that Zoho consider building a dedicated Arattai-branded webcam to address these issues.
Yet another user recommended integrating a full-fledged payments system directly into Arattai, tightly coupled with its messaging features. Vembu responded that the team is actively working on such a system, acknowledging that no company in India has yet perfected this integration.
People also asked about Zoho’s earlier communications product Zillum, and whether it had been discontinued or folded into Arattai. Vembu clarified that Zillum is not discontinued and will be integrated with Arattai going forward.
Arattai on your Android TV
- Install the app on your TV; a QR code will appear on the screen.
- Download the app on your smartphone, go to settings, click on devices, and scan the QR code.
- Before logging in, a consent screen will pop up for you to review the user details.
- List of ongoing meetings and scheduled events can be seen. Recordings of meetings are also available under the designated section.
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