Another reviewhunt campaign. Another review quest. This time it's tata (earlier known as tataUFO). tata is decentralised version of Instagram, very similar approach. It is built on top of TTC blockchain (a blockchain built for mass adoption) and uses ACN tokens and Acorn protocol (a protocol to incentivize decentralised social media) to reward content. The idea is very similar to steemit. Your activity leads to a higher rep score. The likes, comments and followers lead to a higher heat score and that amounts to token rewards. More details later. Let's see how the dApp works.
First step is to download the dApp from play store or app store. I used the play store link as I am an Android user.
After downloading the app, you will be prompted to signup using a mobile number. There were a few users who reported that some countries were missing from the ISD code list. However, the issue has been resolved. Once the phone number is verified, you'll have to set up your profile and choose interests. Post that you're ready to start posting.
The first login is weird. Since you are not following someone, you'll be shown posts based on interests you chose. However, once you've followed a few people, the home screen looks like above. Very instagram.
The crown on the top right is a leaderboard of sorts called 'tata Chart'. It isn't functioning for me as I can see nothing. It is supposed to show the top posts for the day based on popularity score of posts, also called heat score.
(Coincidentally, crunchbase states that the app was designed as a dating app for Chinese college students. I guess that's why it may be called heat score 😁)
The next section at the bottom is discover. This shows you posts from other users based on you interests.
The next tab at the bottom is the option to upload content. It can be photos saved on drive or you can take photo/video from the app itself. The 4th option is notifications. 5th is your profile options.
To find and add particular people, you need to have their profile QR code. Very BlackBerry messenger like. Your QR code is located on top right of profile screen, see image above. To earn ACN, you need to install an app called TTC Connect (wallet for TTC blockchain) and sync it with tata. This step requires KYC.
To view your posts, you need to click on your profile image at the top. Then you need to click on an image, then click on view details to know total likes and comments on your posts.
I posted a couple of photos. As part of the quest, I had to push my rep score to 2. However, i couldn't add any hunter from reviewhunt (no search option), so followed random people and liked and commented on their content. They followed back, liked my posts and voila, rep score went to 3.
Anyway, this review is my last quest left for the campaign. So let me get to what I think.
Positives -
The interface - As you would have noticed and I have written above, it's a copy of instagram. Therefore, it's super easy to use. It's free of promoted content and ads, so that's a massive plus. Hail token economy and decentralisation.
Ability to earn token rewards - Just like steemit, it gives a chance for everyone to earn for content. Unlike other giant social media apps, one doesn't have to get to large number of views or followers before earnings even begin.
Negatives -
How can the option to search for users be missing! - Whoever designed this, must have been smoking pot when it came to deciding on ways to add/follow people. I had to get to rep score 2. And i felt like a stalker. There is no way to find a friend on this app. One can share a profile link, as some people did to me. However, the profile links opened to profile pages with no link to follow those people. Crazy! Thankfully, the dapp is in open beta and these bugs will be removed.
The notification app sends automatic messages if 2 users follow each other, saying let's chat. Not required imo.
The tata chart is blank.
The app requires too many permissions and doesn't move forward if i deny a few of them.
KYC for token earnings? Why?
The process to get to my posts is too long. That should be the first page when I click on 5th option of my profile.
That's my opinion. I know the negatives outweigh the positives but I think these are just small bugs that can be removed, except may be KYC. With a few things taken care off and a larger more global audience, this dApp tata could get bigger than instagram. It has about 17 million users, (yes, you read that right!), is popular in the most populous country on earth, could easily be a hit anywhere else and with users who don't want to agree to Facebook's and Instagram's policies. I see it has potential to everyone's number 1 lifestyle sharing app.
Hope you liked the review. Download the app, give it a try and let me know what you think.