Yahoo launched a new messaging app to Hong Kong iTunes Store under the name Livetext. Promising to be “the most natural way to have REAL conversations,” the app presents a different way for messages to be sent to other users.
So what makes Livetext different from the other messaging apps in the market? Apart from the fact that it is only currently available in Hong Kong, Yahoo Livetext describes itself as a video messenger. The app features a unique way of sending messages with the use of silent video clips. In these clips, you can send your friend a silent footage of yourself as your text appears as a pop up over the video. It’s not exactly “the most natural way” to communicate with your friend but then again, so is sending a message through an app.
Livetext is the newest attempt of Yahoo to resurrect its failed Yahoo Messenger service, which was quickly forgotten by users when other messenger apps like Hangouts, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp entered the scene. Accepting its defeat, Yahoo Messenger was removed from the App Store ultimately.
With the introduction of Livetext, Yahoo once again ventures into the market for messaging apps. The app is available in over 20 languages and meant for one-on-one texting. This means the feature on the app does not work for group messages. Also, the app doesn’t do calls so that may be an important feature to consider. On the plus side of things, Yahoo does promise Livetext will stay free forever. Hopefully, the app will soon be available to other parts of the world other than just Hong Kong.