This week we are featuring a brand new app that enables Nokia Asha Touch users to join in on one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms.

Originally developed in Japan, LINE, currently boasts 130 million users in over 240 countries and it is now available in the Nokia Store.

The app, which is huge in Asia and growing fast in the rest of the world, allows you to instant message with friends or groups, and send photos to each other.

All that’s required is that you both need a device (on any operating system) with the LINE app installed. LINE can even be used on computers.

Setting up LINE

After downloading LINE, the first thing you need to do is configure the app by entering your mobile number. Within seconds you’ll receive an SMS with an activation code.

The next step is to register with an email address and password for a LINE account. It’s something that you can skip and complete later, or not at all, but it’s worth making the effort.

With a LINE account you can access your existing profile information, such as the friends list, even if you change phones, your number, or if you start using LINE on a computer.

Finally, you can grant the app access to your address book to build up your friends list. Magically, it only imports contacts that are already LINE users.

Messaging and groups 

Even if you’ve never used LINE before, it will still be mighty familiar to you. Anyone who has ever sent an SMS on any phone will be able to pick up LINE and start using it with no problems whatsoever.

Simply select someone from your friends list, type your message and hit send. You can also attach photos and view your chat history – you can also delete chats.

One of the big features that has helped to fuel LINE’s popularity is the creation of groups where you can chat with many people at the same time.

To set up a group, tap ‘Options’, select ‘Create a group’, give the group a name and then select the people from your friends’ list that you want to be included.

That group will be created and appear at the top of the friends list – just select it to start a chat with everyone.

LINE has some other worthwhile features, such as the ability to block certain users, turn off your public ID and stop people from automatically adding you to their friends list. All these options can be found in the settings menu.

Most of the time though, LINE is about connecting you with your friends and it does that rather brilliantly. It’s fast becoming a must-have app.