During this time of physical distancing, keeping connections is very important. Today, the NPE Team of Facebook introduces CatchUp for group voice calls. The app facilitates a unique and convenient way of talking to someone over the phone.
The New Product Experimentation (NPE) is a Facebook team of developers for consumer-focused apps. In the last 6 months, they have already launched Kit, Hobbi, Whale, AUX, and Bump. The team found out the main reason why people don’t call family and friends – they’re uncertain of the convenient time to call them. Thus, the NPE team launches CatchUp to address the problem. With such an app, catching up has never been easy.
- It shows who’s available to call. Like the Messenger Rooms launched on 24 April 2020, one can see family, friends, and colleagues who are online in the app.
- It’s also easy to create and join group calls with just one tap. CatchUp is a functional addition to Messenger. The app works with a phone’s contact list. Users don’t need a Facebook account.
As of 26 May 2020, CatchUp is under testing in the United States for iOS and Android users.
Implications for Marketers:
CatchUp, being developed by Facebook’s NPE Team was created based on the user’s behavior. Marketers should keep an eye on such a new app as it may be the next key trend in the market. Testing the app can keep one ahead of the competition. Anyway, it’s free and is an alternative way to engage with the audience.
