Isn't this just voicemail? There are even services that let you leave a voicemail directly without actually calling the person. How is this different/better than that?
VoiceGem (YC S12) Brings Communication Back To The Future
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Re: VoiceGem (YC S12) Brings Communication Back To The Future
#12I love these guys. Started using VoiceGem in beta a few weeks ago and can't stop. I am now using this with my family, who often try to reach me with no luck. The benefits are obvious - you don't have to respond to voice calls. There's an expectation on the sender's end that you will respond, eventually, but you can be in control of your time. Unlike a regular voicemail, this also allows you not to talk to the other p…
So what you're saying is that this is for people who want to stay in touch with others, but don't feel like talking realtime.
Re: VoiceGem (YC S12) Brings Communication Back To The Future
#13Isn't this just voicemail? There are even services that let you leave a voicemail directly without actually calling the person. How is this different/better than that?
Voicemail is owned and run by phone companies, and thus harder to extend and digitize. It was only recently that visual voicemail became possible, and only because Apple demanded it. I can see the benefits of pulling this out of their grasp, especially in the case that was mentioned (intercontinental communication).
That said, isn't there already a very popular app that does this?
Re: VoiceGem (YC S12) Brings Communication Back To The Future
#14Isn't this just voicemail? There are even services that let you leave a voicemail directly without actually calling the person. How is this different/better than that?
The thing is no one seems to like voicemail, including us. You're trying to reach someone, and end up having to leave a voicemail. The listener usually just listens to see if she needs to call you back or not. It's all out of necessity.
VoiceGem is for times you have a story to tell, but you don't need the other person on the line right that moment. You can send or reply to one whenever you want. I have received many great jokes or stories from folks in my VoiceGem inbox over the last couple days. That hasn't happened with voicemail before.
Re: VoiceGem (YC S12) Brings Communication Back To The Future
#15How is this different from other apps like blip.me (besides for the obvious web vs mobile platform)? A year ago a bunch of friends and myself installed and began to use blip, but the novelty quickly wore off. Can't remember the last time I used it.
We see two main differences to existing voice applications. First, VoiceGem is meant to be usable by anyone (without having to install an iPhone application, for example). This is the kind of service you can use with your parents, non-tech friends, or customers. Secondly, and maybe even more importantly, we try to enable longer, richer conversations. Whereas blip.me/Voxer focus on walkie-talkie applications (and do a…
I do think it is important to have a platform that is easy to access, and I'm sure you guys are working hard at that.
Is there any data that validates the notion that people will be leaving 5+ minute long messages for each other? I honestly can't remember the last time I left a voicemail for a friend/family, but that is purely anecdotal.
Anyhow, good luck!
Re: VoiceGem (YC S12) Brings Communication Back To The Future
#16Isn't this just voicemail? There are even services that let you leave a voicemail directly without actually calling the person. How is this different/better than that?
Voicemail is owned and run by phone companies, and thus harder to extend and digitize. It was only recently that visual voicemail became possible, and only because Apple demanded it. I can see the benefits of pulling this out of their grasp, especially in the case that was mentioned (intercontinental communication). That said, isn't there already a very popular app that does this?
Yes, there are already apps that let you send shorter voice messages, but you have to have your friends install it first. VoiceGem lets you send as long a message as you want to anyone. They can also listen and reply without signing up, or installing anything.
Re: VoiceGem (YC S12) Brings Communication Back To The Future
#17Earlier quoted context omitted.
We see two main differences to existing voice applications. First, VoiceGem is meant to be usable by anyone (without having to install an iPhone application, for example). This is the kind of service you can use with your parents, non-tech friends, or customers. Secondly, and maybe even more importantly, we try to enable longer, richer conversations. Whereas blip.me/Voxer focus on walkie-talkie applications (and do a…
I do think it is important to have a platform that is easy to access, and I'm sure you guys are working hard at that. Is there any data that validates the notion that people will be leaving 5+ minute long messages for each other? I honestly can't remember the last time I left a voicemail for a friend/family, but that is purely anecdotal. Anyhow, good luck!
Thanks! Yes, our data shows a surprising amount of longer messages. As for voicemail, same here. Arda addressed this in a comment above: it's just not used for asynchronous communication.
Re: VoiceGem (YC S12) Brings Communication Back To The Future
#18Isn't this just voicemail? There are even services that let you leave a voicemail directly without actually calling the person. How is this different/better than that?
Voicemail is owned and run by phone companies, and thus harder to extend and digitize. It was only recently that visual voicemail became possible, and only because Apple demanded it. I can see the benefits of pulling this out of their grasp, especially in the case that was mentioned (intercontinental communication). That said, isn't there already a very popular app that does this?
Interesting. Could Apple replace voicemail with their own system? Eventually they might even be able to merge the phone app into the messages app. Phone calls over wifi, new voicemail etc.
Re: VoiceGem (YC S12) Brings Communication Back To The Future
#19I think a Gmail plugin (Chrome/FF extension) would make this awesome. I'd love a [record] button in Gmail Compose window.
I'd love to see that in Gmail too.
Re: VoiceGem (YC S12) Brings Communication Back To The Future
#20The onboarding process on the iphone app is probably the best I've seen on any app. This is good stuff.
Edit: But it breaks my heart to think that they will give it away for free to grow fast and then do all sorts of backflips in search of a business model. The business model is straightforward here. This product is useful. It has emotional value. Just charge good money for it and focus on making it bloody brilliant.