German-Finnish Internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom has announced yet another branch in the 'Mega' brand, this time focusing on an encrypted messaging service to compete with Skype and WhatsApp.

Named MegaChat, the messaging service will offer "video call, chat service and high-speed file transfers" according to Kim Dotcom's announcement.

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Unlike some of its rivals, MegaChat will not base servers in the U.S. and will encrypt all messages to make sure prying eyes cannot view the private material. The messaging app will reportedly launch in early 2015, although the previous goal was mid 2014, showing the service is taking time to perfect. It should be available cross-platform on the web and mobile.

It is not clear how MegaChat will be monetized, users may have to pay for premium features like video conferencing and file-sharing. Mega, the company's storage service, is not making any profit yet, focusing on growth.

Even though MegaUpload might have salted Kim Dotcom's reputation, Mega has become a popular choice with 15 million users - mostly using the free 50GB of storage. MegaChat might have the same effect for privacy minded folks.

Kim Dotcom announced a few weeks ago he was bankrupt, but the new MegaChat service looks to be a last hope for the New Zealand-based developer. He is reportedly not working day-to-day at Mega, focusing more time on other projects. 

TagsKim Dotcom, Mega, MegaChat, MegaUpload, encrypted messaging