Its the new, big, exclusive, invite-only thing thats gotten internet residents scrambling for access.
Fun fact: Airchat was originally launched in 2023 but didnt gain much traction.
What is Airchat, and how does it work?
Photo: Dua Rashid / Gizmodo
Airchat is a voice-only social media platform.
The easiest way to describe it is that its Twitter but make it voice-only.
So, every post and message on the platform is a voice note.
Recording a message on Airchat.Screenshot: Dua Rashid / Gizmodo
It just has to be voice; there isnt a text input option.
All the voice messages are transcribed, so you still see text on the app.
Theres a video input option, too, but I havent seen anyone using it yet.
There are topics you can follow. You get your followed topics as separate tabs on your main feed.Screenshot: Dua Rashid / Gizmodo
I like that its at least trying to humanize conversations.
Weve been hiding behind our keyboards for way too long.
Its nice to come out of that shell finally.
A Twitter-like feed.Screenshot: Dua Rashid / Gizmodo
It helps keep the nature of the voice messages raw and unfiltered.
I strongly agree with the latter.
I cant think of a better way to realize how many times I use like in a sentence.
The 3x and pause options on the bottom-right speed up and mute audio, respectively.Screenshot: Dua Rashid / Gizmodo
Secondly, but most importantly, accessibility.
An app like Airchat is undeniably excellent for folks with mobility issues.
I believe the voice output also makes the experience easier for individuals with vision impairment.
I can imagine the app being ridiculously helpful for folks with low attention spans.
First, its because the content comes in bite-sized pieces.
Its short voice notes instead of the podcast-style communication that would happen on another recent voice-only app, Clubhouse.
Lastly, the transcription acts like subtitles in a movie.
They keep you focused and help with anything you missed in the voice message.
Both literally and figuratively.
Literally, because anyone can reply to anyone.
You just gotta hit record and send.
Its an accessible and inclusive place.
This inclusive, egalitarian setting makes users comfortable speaking about whats on their minds.
Theres way less stage fright.
The organic multi-directional flow of opinions is going to be great for a genuine exchange of thoughts and opinions.
First, the app is admittedly just Twitter with voice notes, which isnt groundbreaking enough.
I initially thought this was just me, butAlex Debeckervalidated my experience.
He claims he spends 40% of his time on the app reading instead of listening.
Listening to voice messages isnt always convenient, too.
Most people dont like sounds from their phones playing out loud, and you dont always have headphones around.
Another case where reading is an easier option.
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