You dont need to be a prophet to tell you that messaging is already, and will be, a big part of our future - thats why there are countless messaging apps out there all hoping to be the one we use every day.

Still, there are only a few that stand out from the rest and offer genuinely unique and important features for our everyday communication needs.

Here are the four that are worth your MB:

Telegram: You will find most of messaging features you're already familiar with (it supports sending large-sized videos, photos and other files) on Telegram, but what make its stand out is its noticeably simple interface. You can engage in "secret" chats that can only be assessed on the device they are sent from. These kinds of messages can also be set to self-destruct. Telegram is available for free on iOS, Android, and Window Mobile.

FacebookMessenger: Like most of the messaging apps you will come across, its great for group chats and voice calls but its hidden strength are "bots" that allow you interact with third-party sites and apps without leaving the Messenger app. Almost any service that is worth its weight has a Messenger bot, and once you add them to your contact list you can ping them with inquiries or requests (e.g "order a car in 7 minutes" ). Facebook Messenger is free and available on iOS and Android.

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WhatsApp: WhatsApp's proudest feature is its end-to-end message encryption - keeping hackers and the government from spying on your conversations. It was acquired by Facebook in 2014 so it may start adding some Messenger-type features in the not-too-distant future. WhatsApp is free and available on iOS, Android, and Windows Mobile.

Allo: Google has dabbled in messaging several times, from Gchat, to Google Messenger, to Hangouts, but it's best attempt yet is the Allo app which it just launched a few weeks ago. Although you cannot make voice or video calls. One thing it does have that other apps do not is Google Assistant, an AI bot that will answer questions you may have while chatting (When is Arsenal playing? Where is the best suya spot nearby? How much does dining for six cost at Eko Hotel?). The Allo app is free and available on Android and iOS.