We're almost halfway the set community quarantine, but if you're still looking for other means to bond with your faraway friends, here's a new app to check out!
Houseparty by Epic Games– the same developers behind Fortnite– is a free group video-chatting app that has gained a lot of users in the last few weeks after social distancing was advised and home quarantine was imposed in numerous countries. The premise of the app is what its name simply implies, have a party with your friends without leaving your homes.
If you need a little bit more convincing, here are five reasons why you and your friends should download the app and join the party!
It works on most devices
One good thing about this app is that it can be used in any device you have! Be it on your Android phone or Iphone, Mac laptop, and even on your Windows' Google Chrome browser!
Easy to sign up!
Signing up is easy as it simply requires an email address to create an account. Unlike apps like Viber or Whatsapp, the app doesn't need your phone number to continue running, although it will ask for your number just for the purpose of two-factor authentication.
Instead of your full contact number, you can easily connect to your friends by giving them your unique username. If you want, you could also link the app to your Snapchat account and use their customized emojis (Bitmoji) on Houseparty.
Hang out and keep up with friends
Of course, the main feature of this app is to connect long distance friendships through group chats and video calls! You can get started by checking out which ones on your contacts are already using the app. You can also add friends by looking up their names or adding them from your friends list on Facebook.
Up to eight participants can join in a room and if you have a different groups of friends, you can easily switch between rooms. It's just like literally going to a friend's houseparty packed with many attendees that you know. You can just spend the night conversing with different people from one group to the other.
Leaving a message to your friends? Skip tapping "see you later!" and just leave them a recorded "Facemail".
Nearby users can join the fun too!
With this app, you can also meet new friends nearby. After giving the app permission to access your location, it will also give you the ability to invite nearby users over to join your party. Just hit the plus (+) icon on the top right part of your screen and click "Add Nearby" to invite neighboring users.
Play party games via video chat
Another feature that makes the app a hit is the option to play party games with your friends while on video call. You can play Heads Up!, Trivia, Chips and Guac, and Quick Draw! as if you're all in the same room! Houseparty does not just connect you with friends, it's also a fun and entertaining way to bond with them!
So what are you waiting for? Download this app now on Android, iOS, MacOS, and Chrome. For more information, check out the Houseparty website.
