Yahoo's ‘Livetext’ Messenger App Debuts on iOS

Yahoo has quietly rolled out its next version of the messenger app which it promises to make you "feel like your friends are right there with you".

According to a report by TechCrunch, the video chat app is available under the name "Yahoo Livetext - Video Messenger" and can be obtained from the Hong Kong iOS app store.

 The app which was released earlier this month, has tried to create a unique space for itself by allowing users to exchange traditional text messages while offering muted video options as well.

Yahoo feels this video chat facility will enable users to indulge in a more natural form of communication since it allows them to see each other reactions in real time while texting.

"We are experimenting with new product experiences that delight our users. We have nothing further to share at this time," a Yahoo spokesperson was quoted as saying by TechCrunch.

"The advent of smartphones led a shift towards convenience and speed. We have gone from communicating primarily with our voices to using our fingers to text on glass," said Yahoo.

"Our solution is to go back to the basics, by putting your words and your friend's real-time reactions at the centre of your interaction. We have removed audio from the equation, as it's rarely convenient in today's fast-paced world."

The freely available app can be used via cellular or Wi-Fi connection and aims to focus on one to one messaging and not group chats.

Unlike Facetime, Viber or Skype, Livetext does not support video calling.