Meet Hotline — Facebook's new Q&A Clubhouse competitor for iOS and Android

(Paradigm credit: Facebook)

We've been hearing rumors that Facebook is working on cloning hugely popular audio conversation app Clubhouse, and at present we're getting a gustatory modality of the social media giant'southward efforts in the form of a web-based Q&A platform.

Facebook'due south New Product Experimentation (NPE) team has released Hotline, a new audio and video chat platform that finally gives Clubhouse some competition. Unlike Clubhouse, however, Hotline is available for Android smartphone users too — non simply iOS.

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What is Facebook'due south Hotline?

As reported by TechCrunch, Hotline is a web-based app that gives creators a platform to speak to their audition and answer any questions via text or sound. Nonetheless, instead of being audio-just like Clubhouse, hosts have the ability to plow on their cameras during their Q&A.

Those taking part tin can vote on which questions they want to exist answered, and tin can also use emojis to respond to whatever the host is saying.

Facebook recently tested Hotline, with the first to publicly try out the platform being real estate agent Nick Huber. Co-ordinate to TechCrunch, Facebook is looking for influencers and creators like Huber to offering professional advice in areas such as finance or real estate.

Led by Facebook'southward Eric Hazzard, the new spider web app has a lot in common with Clubhouse and other similar platforms similar Twitter Spaces, including its user interface.

Facebook confirmed to TechCrunch that mobile app versions of Hotline are in the works, but for at present, people can sign up via the web folio (which seems to only exist available in the U.Southward. after getting a bulletin saying "Coming Soon!" when trying it out in the U.K.).

You'll notice there'due south merely a waitlist to sign upward for via Twitter login and an choice to apply to host your own show. We're sure to see information technology evolve over the next few months, with more notable guests appearing on the platform (it volition have to match Elon Musk guest condition to catch some real attending, though).

Apparently, this isn't the only Clubhouse competitor Facebook is working on, as another internal team is working on a different project to proceed the e'er-trending Clubhouse on its toes. This is likely referring to the clone Facebook teased earlier in February.

Android users accept even so another alternative to use that's not the iPhone exclusive Clubhouse, but a contempo fake Clubhouse app shows that it's still hugely sought-after..

Darragh Spud is fascinated by all things bizarre, which usually leads to assorted coverage varying from washing machines designed for AirPods to the mischievous world of cyberattacks. Whether it's connecting Scar from The King of beasts King to two-factor hallmark or turning his beloved for gadgets into a made rap battle from 8 Mile, he believes there's always a quirky spin to be made. With a Master's degree in Magazine Journalism from The University of Sheffield, along with curt stints at Kerrang! and Exposed Mag, Darragh started his career writing nigh the tech industry at Time Out Dubai and ShortList Dubai, covering everything from the latest iPhone models and Huawei laptops to massive Esports events in the Eye Eastward. Now, he can be establish proudly diving into gaming, gadgets, and letting readers know the joys of docking stations for Laptop Mag.