Facebook launched a new app, Tuned, for couples separated by coronavirus precautionary measures, isolation and social distancing. Tuned serves as a virtual private space for couples to stay connected by sharing their routines, moods, music, photos and more via the app. Tuned is designed by Facebook’s ‘New Product Experimentation team’ as an iPhone only app.
Going through a time when dating or being away from a spouse is difficult due to COVID-19 pandemic, Tuned aims to help people separated by physical distances stay connected by sending photos adorned with custom stickers, show reactions to photos or cards, share their favorites songs from Spotify, express their moods and feelings, keep a diary, send voice or text messages and build a scrapbook of memorable moments.
Although it’s a Facebook app, users don’t have to sign in through their Facebook accounts. Users must be 13 and above to use the app. From its first look, Tuned seems like any other social or messaging app like Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp and others, where people send and receive audio, video message, use stickers and share music. However, the couples’ exclusivity of the app sets it apart. It is designed for two people who can be silly, childish, insecure and motivating in their personal space because there is a lot which people in a relationship want to share with each other only which is not meant for group or public sharing.
The NPE Team at Facebook builds experimental products, therefore, it can be assumed that the current lockdown and quarantine around the world were the inspiration behind Tuned to provide a digital personal space where couples can stay in touch via multimedia messaging.
Tuned can be downloaded from the App Store for free. It requires iOS 11.0 and later and is designed for iPhone and iPod touch. At the moment, the app is only available in the United States and Canada.
