The iTunes and Google Play stores are bloated with too many chat apps with similar or identical features, but today I’m reading about two different approaches to chat that actually help users connect in new ways through their handheld devices.
Snapchat isn’t new, but today they announced new video chat and instant messaging capabilities.
Snapchat is already a beloved platform for teens/college-age users, and adding additional features that drive interactive engagement without the fear of data permanency will only increase active millennial users.
Dating site HowAboutWe just launched a new chat app just for couples called You & Me. In fact, it will only work with one other person. It’s a monogamous chat app, and the interface is gorgeous.
Like Snapchat, You & Me benefits from the tension of limited reach and privacy, attributes that run afoul of the mainstream social network philosophy of over-sharing and big data-aggregation.
Personally, I use Snapchat more than Facebook and Twitter combined. These new features will only increase my active time on Snapchat. And I just sent my wife an invitation to You & Me.
I guess we’ll see if she thinks I’m worthy enough to chat with. Time will tell.
GREG SWAN 