YackPack is one of a growing group of companies (see our recent Odeo post for the list) that is allowing consumers to easily create a quick recording to share with friends.
It’s still in private beta, although you can get a good understanding of the service by watching the how-to video they’ve created.
Barb Dybwad likes the effort YackPack has put into creating a very simple user interface. I agree that a child could use it, but I don’t think the walled-garded functionality will ultimately be popular.
Other minor annoyances with the service: I was forced to give up too much personal information to register (such as my zip code and birth date), you can’t edit a sound file before you send it, and you cannot access the actual sound files you record – they must be listened to at the site.
YackPack plans to provide a free, ad supported service along with a premium option for “well under $10/month“. They are also giving away a limited supply of free microphones.
This is a good summary. Thanks! As the founder of YackPack, let me share a bit more backgound . . .
Since we started rolling out the service a week ago, we’ve learned a lot. We’ve added to our long list of improvements needed. That said, our rollout is showing that people are using and liking YackPack as is.
Personally, I can’t wait to make YackPack better. Our engineering team has been releasing at least one major upgrade each week, so we’re in process.
You talk about lack of control over the sound files. Yep, you’re right. You can’t edit or download them (yet). We’ll get there . . . . Also, I think the controls for audio playback need to be better.
As a team we are constantly discussing the tradeoff between simplicity and functionality. For example, in a pilot version we had a “Back 8″ button that would let you jump back in the audio 8 seconds. We found that people didn’t use Back 8 much, so we removed it in the name of radical simplicity. Yes, we removed a feature that was already built.
We wanted to launch with the simplest service that still gives value.
Now we’re in feedback mode. We are listening to users to guide our next steps. In fact, we’re doing more than listening . . . we’ve created a customer advisory board, a YackPack group that works directly with me (new advisors welcome).
So after one week of running the YackPack beta service, we’ve had no big disasters (whew). But it’s getting harder to balance competing priorities. On Monday we’re having a big meeting to focus our work on what matters most.
Why would I use YackPack, it seems a little redundant, between, IM, Skype, and Waxmail it seems all so silly. Why not use the phone, cell phone…the list goes on. What was with that corny music…during the demo?
YackPack is simpler and more convenient (overall) than the other services you list.
Simplicity and convenience are big deals for most people out there. But you may be different: As a tech enthusiast, you may find little need for simplicity, so other services may suit you better. But you should give YackPack a try. We find the more people use it, the more they see the value of convenient voice messaging for groups.
I don’t defend our musical choice for the demo video. I think the music is fine, and others like it. Certainly no musical style will appeal to everyone.
my quick thoughts . . .
BJ
You are probably right about the simplicity factor, but most people can use AIM or MSM, and not neccessarily know how to use a browser. With WaxMail I can do the same with my email. http://www.waxmail.biz. Good luck, though the Music is quite bad!
Thanks for your good wishes. And your comment may well change our musical style!
As for IM and other modes . . .
In our research we’ve found that many people don’t like the pressure of IM — too busy, too demanding. I know this is hard for some to believe, but many people want a calm experience, without the pressure of someone waiting for a response. So we’ve designed YackPack to give this convenience and simplicity.
–BJ
Thanks for your good wishes. And your comment may well change our musical style!
The name scares me. Really! I have not heard something so terrible long time until now. Yack, Yack. You do understand how it sounds? Yack, like disgusting. Never heard something so stupid.