DUBAI: We tried it. Signal is emerging as a smarter alternative to WhatsApp. First, ease of use. Just download, sign-up (using your phone number) and start connecting with friends, family, colleagues. Here’s what we found: the audio and video signal in Signal is much clearer. So Signal (as well as Telegram) have emerged as two of the top replacements for WhatsApp. People are reportedly leaving WhatsApp because Facebook, its owner, has updated its terms of use and privacy policy, causing a global outrage among privacy-conscious users. Many have declared their intention to delete WhatsApp and switch over. This may not happen overnight — if at all — knowing there are 2 billion WhatsApp users, though. Here are our quick takes: