Approximately 50 billion messages a day have been sent via mobile chat applications over 2014, dwarfing traditional modes such as texting which clocked in at a mere ~21 billion per day during that same period.
This seismic shift in mobile communication has created an explosively lucrative market for mobile chat app developers. Many big names have emerged as a result of this fast-growing trend including WhatsApp, Kik and ChatOn, but the playing field still remains relatively open as the space continues to mature.
Fundamental Applications (CSE: FUN, Stock Forum), an innovative anonymous mobile app developer offering fun, intelligent and socially relevant apps focused on the millennial demographic, hit the mobile chat application marketplace seeking to snag a significant share. Its first product, Serum™, a ground-breaking safe, secure and anonymous mobile chat app, is currently launched on iTunes.
I interviewed Justin Rasekh, Fundamental Applications CEO, to learn more about anonymous mobile chat applications and the potentially disruptive Serum™.
Q: In what ways are anonymous mobile chat apps superior to regular chatting, both desktop and mobile?
A: It’s not a question of superiority, every app has its place. What we offer is simply the ability for people to express how they actually feel without having to hold back. Regular chat apps are great for many things, but when you need to find out the truth about something, you can use Serum to get that truth.
Q: Currently there are established mobile chat apps such as Whisper and Secret that offer a degree of anonymity as well, how does Serum differentiate from the competition in terms of anonymity and security?
A: Those other apps offer a service of broadcasting to an anonymous audience. We let the user control every aspect of the conversation. We let the user pose the question, then select who it goes out to, ensuring the people you ask have opinions you trust concerning the matter at hand. For example, if you were wondering about proposing to your girlfriend, you would want the unbiased opinions of your best friends and close family, not a former co-worker you have on Facebook or a total stranger that came across your query.
Q: With many social media platforms, online bullying has become a major problem with catastrophic consequences, how does Fundamental Applications and Serum address this important issue?
A: We have made a big point about controlling this. As you are anonymous when asked a question, you have the ability to say whatever you like. We needed to make sure that the user who initiated the thread can swipe people out, keeping in complete control. Also, if you are in the thread and not the originator of the conversation, you can flag and report other users anonymously in real time. We also have algorithms to flag suspect conversations, enabling us to monitor those conversations from our end.
Q: Millennials are experienced with building online communities and Serum provides the perfect tool for assembling an online stable of comrades, how does Serum’s geo-location add depth to this aspect of Internet socialization?
A: Geolocation adds the ability to meet new people based on common friends on a map. For instance, you may be in Chicago on business and want to know where the best deep dish pizza place is. All you would have to do is turn on your geolocation feature and approach other serum users with common Facebook friends. This will enable users to gauge the type of anonymous person they choose to approach. On the other side of things, if you get approached on geolocation, your identity is hidden so there is no harm in not answering. When you feel comfortable, you may choose to let the other person know your identity, or not – the choice is yours.
Q: What other Serum version releases and upgrades can mobile users expect to see in the next six months?
A: The cleanliness and simplicity of the way Serum works will never be compromised. However, we are always looking to add new features and customization, such as skins and avatars. We have some exciting new features in development, so stay tuned!
FULL DISCLOSURE: Fundamental Applications is a Stockhouse Publishing client.