Yahoo Livetext is a new communications app from the house of Yahoo, the first one that tries to catalyze a new mobile broadband native behavior by combining video and text. It is the first time in many years Yahoo has tried to launch a brand new behavior instead of trying to coast in the slipstream of leaders. This new app — regardless of its longterm prospects — is proof that with the right team and motivated people, even big companies like Yahoo can try something brand new. 

I am excited to see how it does, especially because this app is the brainchild of Arjun Sethi (now Yahoo’s Senior Director, Product Management) who leads a team that included many members of MessageMe, a True Ventures-backed Company that was acquired by Yahoo in 2014. During our time working together on MessageMe (I was a board observer), I got a closeup view of why Arjun is known as one of the best product people in the valley. 
Yahoo Livetext blends the immediacy, simplicity and ease of texting with the expressiveness of video, without the audio. “While texting is quick and easy, you often miss the meaning of a message, have to explain your reaction (“LOL”), or wait hours before getting a response. And to actually talk on the phone, you not only have to be available, but you also have to be in a place where you can chat,” writes Arjun in a blog post introducing the app which will be available on Android and iOS. “Simple conversations are transformed into vivid, authentic and memorable experiences that you can share anytime.”

Congrats Arjun & team! I am looking forward to trying out this new app!