Miranda July and a team of tech developers released an app on Aug. 28 meant to obscure the line between digital and personal interaction. The app is called "Somebody."
There's no easy way to sum this app up in a few succinct sentences because there's nothing like it on the digital market. Let's approach the anomaly by asking the basics:
So, what do you do with "Somebody"? Type a message, suggest how it should be delivered, and have a stranger perform it for you.
Huh? Yeah, it confused me at first too. Here's a made-up example: I decide that I want to go out for drinks. Instead of directly texting the person I would like to paint the town red with, I would use "Somebody" to find someone to deliver the message on my behalf. The chosen messenger would then give the message to the intended party in whatever mood I decided was appropriate for the moment, be it happy, mad, crying, or a myriad of other options.
Whoa. That's different. When and where should this app be used? "Somebody's" official website suggest that the app works best with a lot of people in the same area. While people in Manhattan could walk around and find loads of people to interact with, areas with less dense populations would be less effective. However, the website advocates creating hotspots for the app specifically at universities, workplaces, birthday parties, and concerts. This allows users to interact with people who are likely open to the diverse, goofy situations that "Somebody" will inevitability provide.
Official hotspots for "Somebody" include the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, The Venice Film Festival, and the Portland Institute of Contemporary Art.
This is still a little confusing. Is there an example out there I can view? There sure is. The "Somebody team created a short film to help newcomers grasp the concept. Obviously, these are hyperbolic examples for the app, but it's a fun way to see how the app would function in a wackier world.
What are user impressions so far? As of this writing, the app is a little over 24 hours old so it's hard to say. Product reviews from users say they have experienced bugs, but have otherwise had positive experiences.
Overall, "Somebody" is meant to be fun but awkward. The app is not meant for everyone but is likely going to inject new fun into wine parties and ragers alike. It's a neat excuse to meet new people and become amateur actors on the fly. Sounds like fun to me.
