I created TapChat because I’ve always wanted to create a simple app to break the ice during networking events and meeting locals when I’m visiting new places. Basically an anonymous messaging app aimed at more professional use (no dating/cyber bullying). Figuring out the magic sauce for social local apps (it’s hard! [1]) has always been a secret passion of mine.
I've spent about 2-3 months to design and create the app from concept to launch (including a couple of pivots and iterations). It has mostly been written in Swift and a mix of backend services written in Go, Python and Node.js. I'm heavily relying on realtime face detection on every picture to prevent abuse. I'm using the Realm.io database as the local database, Firebase for realtime updates and MongoDB for the geo index. I think this is also one of the first implementations of Twitter Digits for logging in with your phone number.
PS: I'm aware of some bugs and crashes and am working hard on resolving them in the next update (after the holidays). Please check it out and tell me what you think about the general UI/UX while I iron out these wrinkles.
I created TapChat because I’ve always wanted to create a simple app to break the ice during networking events and meeting locals when I’m visiting new places. Basically an anonymous messaging app aimed at more professional use (no dating/cyber bullying). Figuring out the magic sauce for social local apps (it’s hard! [1]) has always been a secret passion of mine.
I've spent about 2-3 months to design and create the app from concept to launch (including a couple of pivots and iterations). It has mostly been written in Swift and a mix of backend services written in Go, Python and Node.js. I'm heavily relying on realtime face detection on every picture to prevent abuse. I'm using the Realm.io database as the local database, Firebase for realtime updates and MongoDB for the geo index. I think this is also one of the first implementations of Twitter Digits for logging in with your phone number.
Let me know if you have any more questions about the technology I used behind the app. I've written up some more details about the app here: https://medium.com/@teamtapchat/tapchat-a-whatsapp-for-stran...
PS: I'm aware of some bugs and crashes and am working hard on resolving them in the next update (after the holidays). Please check it out and tell me what you think about the general UI/UX while I iron out these wrinkles.
[1] http://andrewchen.co/social-network-marketing-getting-from-z...