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Google incubator creates iOS video-share app

Lauren Kate Rawlins
By Lauren Kate Rawlins, ITWeb digital and innovation contributor.
Johannesburg, 14 Mar 2017
Google's Uptime app.
Google's Uptime app.

Google's employee incubation programme has released an app that lets multiple users watch the same YouTube video remotely in real-time.

Uptime is the latest app to come out of Google's employee start-up incubation programme, Area 120.

Area 120 was launched last year to give the tech giant's employees extra time to work on start-up ideas for their own companies.

Uptime is an iOS-only, invite-only app but the team uploads an invite code daily to its Twitter page. The current code is 'pizza'.

While watching, users are able to chat to others watching and react with emoji, similar to Facebook Live video.

Users will also have a profile where they can curate their own and other videos. Daily video recommendations will be sent to users.

The app could be useful for teams working in remote locations, or for distance-learning courses.

In the reviews section on iTunes, Doniguan, a new user said: "Never thought I'd enjoy watching videos with my friends but it's really fun. Some really cool videos on here. Can't wait to see where this app is going."

The app was released this week and the creators ask users to send feedback if they notice any issues or have any ideas. The team can be contacted via Twitter (@UptimeApp) or e-mail (uptime-feedback@google.com).

To make use of Uptime, users need to sign in with their Google account.

The app is currently only available in the US app store.

Other apps created by Area 120 include Tailor (a free app that gives users access to professional advice from stylists) and Supersonic (an app that lets users send live ephemeral voice notes to each other).

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