Yahoo’s video-texting app Livetext, which the US internet giant is seriously banking upon for a turnaround, is now available to users the world over, nearly a month after its launch in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and France.
Not wishing to appear biased, Arjun Sethi, Senior Director, Product Management wrote on the website, “So no matter where you are or what language you speak, you can live video text (without sound!) with anyone”.
The audio-free video messaging app allows users to chat with friends by sharing video and text messages, but with no sound. Through the app users can exchange text conversations, and emojis, superimposed on a video.
The app is the product of the mobile messaging application MessageMe, which was acquired by Yahoo last year. MessageMe was started by Sethi himself, who later became part of Yahoo following the acquisition.
Sethi believes that LiveText is here to make communication more simple and less stressful, by eliminating background noise from video conversations.
Livetext was a long awaited revamp – and probable replacement – of Yahoo messenger. Unlike Skype, Viber or FaceTime, Livetext surprisingly lacks audio – something like Chaplin movies, but in color. The makers believe it is this ‘noise less’ feature that gives the app an edge over its competitors.
The other popular feature that has been ‘muted out’ is the group chat, which is available on most of the messaging apps.
According to Yahoo, this new app is not an alternative to other existing mobile apps, rather it’s “an entirely new way to stay in touch”.
The users of Livetext may find its best use in schools or in hospitals to quietly share a giggle with your pals. Only time will tell if the app scores beyond the corridors of schools and the large gatherings in funerals!
The app is available for download on iOS and Android devices, irrespective of the users domicile.
