Currently, there is a plethora of apps both in the iOS and the Android platform built for instant messaging and social interaction on-the-go. The convenience of having one is that users only need an internet connection for it to work, either powered by data or WiFi. However, that convenience also comes with a disadvantage: Users are able to send endless amounts of messages until the supposed recipients reply. This is what Google's latest app, "Who's Down" wants to solve.
'Who's Down' app shows users when they are available to hang out with their friends. It's similar to an app that acts as an indication for users that they can toggle whenever they want to meet up or chat with their circle of friends.
From the app, there's a toggable sliding button that acts as a switch to display whether the users are around or not. Once the toggle is switched on, the app will display the users as available for a specific amount of time. Furthermore, it can also indicate which activities users want to participate in. Displayed examples are "grab tacos, study, head to Barton Springs, get lunch, go for a hike and go to Cain & Abel's."
"Who's Down" is currently an invite-only app. But its availability on both the iTunes App Store and the Google Play Store would suggest that it would soon hit mainstream availability should it get the chance to make full swing.
Google's past efforts in developing a social app has somehow failed to gain much fanfare and traction. With this app gearing towards students and people with fear of missing out, the search engine giant's latest app would probably do the trick. The app is scheduled for release Fall of 2015, so it shouldn't be too much of a wait until users can start downloading and using it.
