Telefónica Digital, the global business unit announced by Telefónica back in September to spearhead the telecom company’s digital growth, has launched a new mobile app called Tu Me.
The app is currently iOS only (Android is on the way) and it enables communication and sharing between mobile phones, recording every interaction through a searchable timeline. It is the first service from Telefónica Digital to launch directly to consumers, and it’s the first time Telefónica has launched a product globally, regardless of the markets in which it operates…which is mainly in Europe and the Americas.
So…what does Tu Me do, exactly?
Users can exchange text messages, make calls, leave voice messages, share photos and location information. Interactions are stored in a timeline format, so users can view, scroll and keep a history of conversations.
The <3 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
One of the benefits of this app is that it stores all your content remotely in the cloud – so if you lose your device, you’ll still be able to access your communications’ content. And rather than having separate screens for different functions, it lets you make calls, send voice messages, instant messages, photos and your location from one control within a single screen. There’s no need to switch apps or change to another tab.
The app will also ask for your permission to seek out other friends who may be using the app, for which it claws the numbers from your handset and pairs them with those stored on its database.
The service is free to use with anyone using an iPhone around the world, regardless of their network operator. And crucially, it works via a standard mobile data plan OR over WiFi. So you could use this as a Skype alternative from your handset to procure free calls, though it will obviously require all parties to have the Tu Me app installed.
Although Telefónica is headquarterd in Madrid, Spain, earlier this year we reported that it would be housing its Digital Division’s global HQ in London’s prestigious Regent Street. The new space is designed to place Telefónica at the heart of London’s growing creative and media industry scene, and from here it’s starting to drive many of its digital initiatives around the world.
“We’ve seen the growing popularity of communications apps on smartphones but we believe we’ve gone one better with Tu Me using our knowledge and insights of how people use their devices,” says Stephen Shurrock, Chief Commercial Officer at Telefónica Digital. “Tu Me puts all your communications needs into one place, for free, and is a great way for people to stay in touch with those close to them. It’s also a testament to the innovation, speed and agility within Telefónica Digital.”
Indeed, Tu Me is the first release from Telefónica Digital to launch under this new Tu brand, and it reached the market less than six months from the formation of the unit.
The Spanish telecoms giant says that over the coming months, it will use the ‘Tu’ brand to launch a number of additional communications services which its localized O2, Movistar and Vivo businesses will make available to their respective customers as part of their bundles.
Meanwhile, Android users may want to check out Phonedeck, a similar idea in some respects in that it lets you manage all your smartphone activity from your desktop.
➤ Tu Me
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.