VoissApp, an acronym for VOice of Informed Social Students APPlication, is a social and educational-purpose messaging platform used for the dissemination of information and communication among students and lecturers on campuses.
Developed at the Obafemi Awolowo University in 2014 by the Cloudshot Team, led by Kelvin Umechukwu, a Mechanical Engineering student of the school, VoissApp was initially launched in March earlier this year. It was designed as a means of proffering a solution to the problem of lack of information,bridging the gap between students and lecturers,and enhancing communication among the various components that constitute a class.
User Base
This is in no way a concern for VoissApp. For an app that just commenced operations this year, still operates in one University and with just a beta version that is only available on the Android platform,VoissApp has a hold on quite a strong user base. Presently, the app boasts over 1300 subscribers, making it the most widely patronized digital platform birthed at the Obafemi Awolowo University. Quite a feat,I'll say.
Purposes
Through VoissApp, subscribers can download PDFs, MP3s, MP4s, DoCs and other purpose-specific media. Students also have access to lecture notes, timetables and other helpful materials from all parts of their class and meet each other, discuss issues and share ideas. VoissApp basically solves any problem associated with communication!
Challenges Faced
According to Kelvin Umechukwu, leader of the Cloudshot Team, the main problems faced by VoissApp in terms of operation, especially in it's base at the OAU, are epileptic power supply and slow internet connectivity. He highlighted the fact that the level of power supply and internet connectivity has hindered the usage of the app and that if these problems could be fixed, information could flow at a rate faster than anyone could fathom.
Other problems of the app are in the area of ubiquity. Presently,the app is only available for smartphones running on the Android platform and this means that prospective users on other platforms do not yet have access to it. This does not seem to be a problem that will persist for long according Mr.Umechukwu, as Cloudshot has begun recruiting Software Engineers who have started work in order to make the app available for Windows, iOS and Blackberry platforms. The earlier they get that done, the more subscribers they get and subsequently, efficiency and publicity follow suit.
In the area of geographical ubiquity also, VoissApp is only accessible to students at the OAU. However, according to Mr.Umechukwu, there are advanced plans to roll it out into the general public, subject to how successful the oncoming new version is in the school.
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Developers' Visions
According to Mr.Umechukwu, Coudshot has a lot of plans for improvements to be made on VoissApp for it to truly be a globally renowned communication platform. For now, the app still operates on a beta version. Work is at an advanced stage on the new version,which should have new features such as Forum,Voiss timetable and many others. It would be available as soon as possible upon feedback from existing users. SMS notifications, push notifications and real time information are also a plan for the nearest future. We will keep you up to date on the release date of the new version, its review and a review of the app's website - www.voissapp.com - which, according to the developers, has a bit of tweaking to be done in order to be fully efficient.
The Verdict
One can't doubt the immense potential of this application. It has all it takes to be the next "in-thing" when it comes to messaging and information dissemination; a strong fan base, visionary developers and even a beautifully-designed website to go along with it. However, in order to really take VoissApp from the level it currently is to the level of competing with top social networks and mobile messengers, Mr.Umechukwu and the rest of the Cloudshot Team still have quite a long road ahead of them. All the same, the future sure looks bright for "The Nigerian Whatsapp".
VossiApp is available for download on the Google Playstore.
