VK might launch beta version of Max digital platform with messenger this spring - paper

MOSCOW. March 25 (Interfax) - Russian technology group VK might launch a beta version of a digital platform called Max in the spring that will initially offer a messenger, mini apps, a chatbot builder and payment system, business daily Vedomosti, citing sources, reported on Tuesday.

In future, the company plans to add government and other services for handling everyday tasks to the platform, in which case it could become a Russian equivalent of China's WeChat messenger, the paper said.

The beta version of Max might come in mobile and desktop versions and will be available for iOS and Android devices. Holders of Russian and Belarusian SIM cards will be able to register on the platform.

VK's press service confirmed that the beta version of Max will be available in app stores soon, the paper said. Users will be able to communicate through the messenger, voice calls and voice messages and send files up to 4 Gb in size. The platform's team has already installed additional media servers throughout Russia to handle calls, and introduced machine learning technology to improve the quality of voice transmission.

The company did not disclose how much it has invested in the new platform.