Had a chance to test out the new Beam iOS app. The real time nature of seeing what the other person is typing as they're replying is what makes this app stand out. I can see it being used as a Snapchat like messenger because you don't need to send a message. You can type something out, delete it and the other person will still see it.
@robjama With Snapchat you can re-take a photo infinitely before you send. Here there is no deliberation about what you're communicating. I think that both the convenience ("I'll respond when I want to") and deliberation ("I'll think about what I want to communicate") are both reasons why messaging is a better choice to communicate. I may not be the target, but I often think as a I type, and often retract before I send.
I've been using Alec Gordon's app Beam. It's handy to see messages in real time - as you're actually typing. Next, I need a messaging app to go one step further and read my mind before typing. As it happens, Alec is coming on my podcast to talk about his journey with Beam. I'll be sure to ask him about his day on Product Hunt
Hey guys! I'm Alec, the maker of Beam.
When using real time it so happens that messages and information in general moves faster. You get my message as if I were speaking it to you, and are able to reply just as fast, and on point - at the precise location where you want to address. So no more looking at "..." - you get more engaged with convo. No awkward questions like "what are you referring to?", etc. Once you use it for a bit, it starts to make sense. It's just a different way of communicating, that's all. Beam is sort of positioned on a spectrum between phone calls and texts - right in the middle. Preserves conversational dynamics while allowing for a non-intrusive way to talk.
Anything else you want to know, ask away!
@jonatisokon what button are you referring to? the searchbar where it says "enter username or email" is just to manually add them by those 2 parameters. For contactbook adding, you scroll, and then click their name to choose method to add.
@joshbarkin yeah, it seems very neat, but i'm not totally convinced the value proposition is strong enough to stand out in such a competitive space. curious to hear the maker's thoughts.
Hey, there was a temporary problem with our SMS service, a 3rd party provider we use to verify phone numbers. It's resolved now! Thanks for reporting, and sorry for the issue.
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