By going back to basics, you could soon be able to combine texting and live streaming with Yahoo’s Livetext. It must be difficult in this day and age to find a gap in software markets, something that hasn’t been done before or isn’t already out there into the world.
There was a time when our world couldn’t be compressed in a smartphone, when calling, taking pictures and instant messaging required three different devices.
Yahoo Messenger! was the most popular means of instant messaging throughout the world with its desktop version. Throughout the years, Skype has taken over that market, providing better connection and more stable conversations through microphones and webcams, but Yahoo! is staging a comeback.
The company has been struggling, conducting a series of trial-and-error in developing an instant messaging app for mobiles that might be able to compete with already successful text services such as What’s Up, Facebook IM, Viber, Telegram or others.
An announcement and free release to Hong Kong only, has given hints that Yahoo! is ready to test out the waters again with their Livetext application for iOS. It combines instant texting with muted live streaming of your friend on the other end, able to capture live reactions or share their surroundings with you.
According to the description on iTunes, this will provide the most natural and honest way of communication, and you will feel like your friends are right there with you. The interesting approach might break away from the norm. There are apps that allow live streaming and texting, but they include sound and this could provide more appropriate means for when “you can’t talk”.
Audio has apparently been deemed as “rarely convenient in today’s fast paced world” as there is not always time to keep a constant connection and continuous conversation. With live texting and silent glimpses, Livetext is planning on being the more natural and fitting way of communicating with your friends.
Yahho!’s application is easy to use, with basic commands and no complications of several other functions. It is what it is and what you see is what you get: the possibility of having live text conversations across a framed live video of the person on the other end.
The company has not released an official statement about the app, only mentioning that Yahoo! is always looking for new ways of engaging their users into delightful experiences.
So, if you’re planning on using Livetext when or if it releases worldwide, make sure to manage those emoticons well to match your actual reaction, because eyes will be on you.
Image source: ibnlive.com
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