Facebook launches CatchUp, an audio-only group chatting app

As the world comes to grips with the Coronavirus outbreak, we’ve seen the rise of video calling applications as the most preferred means of communication. But, it looks like Facebook is bucking that trend with the launch of CatchUp. The app is a strictly audio-only app that can set up group calls with up to 8 people. Users also do not need to possess an account on Facebook to access the service as it works with your phone’s contact list. It also lets you know when other users are available to talk. 

The reason behind Facebook ‘s decision to make CatchUp audio-only is a simple one. In a blog post, Nikki Shah, Product Lead on Facebook says, “Keeping in touch with friends and family is important, especially during this time of physical distancing. Messaging and video calling are great ways to send a quick update or connect with someone face-to-face, but speaking to someone over the phone offers a unique balance of both convenience and personal connection. Based on our studies, we found that one of the main reasons people don’t call friends and family more frequently is that they don’t know when they are available to talk or are worried they may reach them at an inconvenient time. CatchUp addresses this problem and even makes group calling as easy as one tap.”.

The app is currently being tested out in the US for a limited time on iOS and Android and there is no word on when it’ll come to other regions as of now. Facebook has also been making a few major strides in India as well as the company has reportedly invested $5.7 billion in Reliance Jio Platforms. The social media giant has bought Gif-making site GIPHY for $400 million and plans to integrate the app with Instagram. You can read more about it, here. 

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