[esrauch]

A very large amount of my phone messages are actually null-content messages: my phone is very often a "I'm here" when picking someone up, or "let me in" or "done shopping, waiting for you" if I'm grocery shopping with someone.

Basically any time someone says "message me when..." there is no conversation when I message them. There is just a contentless phone call or text message. This is filling a communication niche that isn't well supported by the existing methods.

That said, I'm still not willing to install a new app just for that, but that doesn't mean there isn't value there.

[qq66]

The existing method, of course, is a standard SMS message that says "Yo". I've sent plenty of them.

[hayksaakian]

presumably the value of the OP is that it reduces that friction of opening your SMS app and typing "Yo"

[qq66]

Given that a "Yo" usually follows a more detailed text message like "Text me when you're downstairs," I think the total finger-on-screen time would be higher to open the Yo app and search for the right contact.

I assume that Yo has another plan that they haven't gone public with yet, since "Company that just says Yo raises $1m" is more newsworthy than "Company to solve problem X raises $1m." They'll get people to download the app and then add the new functionality with an automatic update.

[disillusioned]

Because the app magically sends the Yos without having to be launched? Facebook messenger has the thumbs up as a single press, as the send button turns into that with null content.

[prawn]

It's the equivalent, in those cases, of a missed call or "prankie" or whatever people might call them where you live.

"Prank me when you get close and I'll meet you out front."

[rlu]

That's fair. I think you did just find a use case for it? But I think the very fact that you won't install an app just for that (rightfully so in my opinion!) by definition means there is no value there.

[esrauch]

I don't think it is fair to say anything I won't install has no value, I won't install WhatsApp or Snapchat either. Pretty much 0% of all apps that have enough value to raise $1m seed funding provide enough value for me to install them.