Facebook has launched a new app for couples to help with social distancing during the coronavirus lockdown. This adds to the long list of apps that have hit the market in recent weeks, designed to assist people with the various effects of the virus outbreak.
With major governments around the world struggling to handle the scale of the crisis, tech companies have been contributing to the fight through various apps, including ones that screen for symptoms or track the spread of the virus. In the US and UK, companies like Tesla, GM and Dyson have also been helping out with supplying basic medical equipment, such as masks and ventilators. However, isolation and its impact on mental well-being is also proving to be a serious issue that needs addressing. So far, there hasn’t been that many digital solutions to help people with handling the effects of self-isolation and its psychological impact. While social media platforms and video-chat apps remain the main getaway for those looking to make isolation more tolerable, additional apps and services have been few and far between.
Tuned is Facebook’s new app and it is specifically designed for couples. While now available to download, CNET points out that it is currently only offered to iPhone or iPad users. Basically, Tuned is an instant messaging app that offers a more private and intimate space for couples. Since it is just for private interaction between two people, the app is extremely personal and equipped with custom tools that are intended to help couples share thoughts and feelings, albeit in a virtual space.
Love In The Age Of Coronavirus
The app feed is designed to feel like a private scrapbook more than a mere messaging service. As a result, couples can share photos, notes, cards, custom stickers, reactions and even their moods, resulting in an experience that’s likely to be more closer to sharing an intimate moment with someone as it can be, while physically distant. In addition, Tuned also allows users to share music and playlists from Spotify, or just send voice memos for a more personalized audio moment.
While the app appears to be useful for those in need of a more intimate experience, it remains to be seen how secure the app is, or whether it even has end-to-end encryption. While Facebook claims it to be private, it would be more worthwhile if the company explained some of the security features in more detail. This is especially the case considering the more personal nature of the app and the degree of private information that will be shared. Typically, information like this can be revealing which makes it highly valuable to advertisers and to Facebook.
