Facebook has announced that it is shutting down three of its mobile apps. The three apps in question are Moves, which is a fitness tracking app, Hello, an Android-only app, and Tbh.
The social network has said that the reason these apps are being shut down is due to low usage. You can see what they had to say about the apps below.
- We launched Hello in 2015 for people using Android in Brazil, the US, and Nigeria. It enables people to combine information from Facebook with contact information on their phone. We will be deprecating Hello in a few weeks.
- In 2014, we bought the fitness app Moves. It records your daily activity — including walking, cycling, and running. We’re deprecating the Moves app and Moves API on July 31.
- Facebook acquired tbh in 2017. It’s an anonymous social media app for high school students in the US.
Understanding the Apps Being Shut Down
The decision to shut down these apps highlights Facebook’s ongoing strategy to streamline its services and focus on its core offerings. Each of these apps served a unique purpose but failed to capture a significant user base.
Hello was designed to enhance the calling experience by integrating Facebook’s social data with the user’s phone contacts. Despite its innovative approach, it struggled to gain traction in the competitive app market. The app’s primary feature was to provide caller ID and spam detection by leveraging Facebook’s vast database. However, with the rise of other robust caller ID apps and built-in features in modern smartphones, Hello couldn’t maintain a competitive edge.
Moves, on the other hand, was a fitness tracking app that automatically recorded physical activities like walking, cycling, and running. Acquired by Facebook in 2014, Moves aimed to tap into the growing health and fitness market. Despite its potential, it faced stiff competition from more established fitness apps like Strava, Fitbit, and Apple’s Health app. Moves’ inability to offer unique features or integrate deeply with other fitness ecosystems likely contributed to its decline in usage.
Tbh (short for “to be honest”) was an anonymous social media app targeted at high school students in the US. Acquired by Facebook in 2017, Tbh allowed users to send compliments to each other through anonymous polls. While it initially gained popularity, the app’s novelty wore off, and it struggled to retain its user base. The rise of other social media platforms and changing user preferences also played a role in its decline.
Facebook’s Strategy Moving Forward
Facebook’s decision to shut down these apps is part of a broader strategy to focus on its main platforms and services. By discontinuing underperforming apps, Facebook can allocate more resources to enhance its core offerings like the Facebook app, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger.
This move also reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and adaptability. By regularly evaluating the performance of its products, Facebook ensures that it remains relevant in the fast-paced tech industry. The shutdown of Hello, Moves, and Tbh serves as a reminder that even tech giants must continuously evolve and adapt to changing user needs and market dynamics.
Moreover, this decision underscores the importance of user engagement and retention in the app industry. Launching an app is just the beginning; maintaining a loyal user base and continuously improving the app’s features are crucial for long-term success. Facebook’s experience with these three apps highlights the challenges of sustaining user interest in a highly competitive market.
You can find out more information about Facebook shutting down the three apps over at their website at the link below.
Source Facebook
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