Yahoo launches video-message app Livetext

Yahoo launches video-message app LivetextECONOMIC TIMES

SOMETHING NEW.Yahoo becomes the latest entrant in the mobile messaging app space with Livetext, which will be made available to users worldwide today, but with a twist.

The app allows users to type text on a video which they can send to friends or family, however the video messages do not support any audio

LATE ENTRYLivetext has imbibed several learnings from parent Yahoo which was the first mover in the messaging ecosystem several years ago but lost out to Whatsapp, Google Hangouts and Facebook Messenger. Despite being a late entry into the competitive market with multiple global players, Sethi feels confident that the Livetext will hold its own.

ISNT INTRESTING.?"A lot of people often can't view video messages in public because of the sound." Livetext resolves this situation by providing an alternative app platform which offers text and video, Sethi said.

The app which will be available for Android and iOS users requires 3G and higher connectivity, such as LTE(Long-Term Evolution). Sethi said that the company may consider looking at optimizing it for 2G networks, the mainstay in India, but was more bullish on the rapid 3G network adoption and potential 4G.

QUICK RESPONSEArjun Sethi, Senior Director, Product Management at Yahoo told ET that the app had seen good offtake in Hong Kong, Taiwan, the US and other developed markets where It was launched last month. He expects India to respond positively as well to the app that he believes provides a different experience.

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