Another of Meta’s social experiments is coming to an end. It’s called Tuned, and if you’re anything like us, this is most likely the first and only time you’ll hear of it.
Tuned debuted in 2020, when Meta was still Facebook, as an app for couples who want to stay connected even while they’re separated. Meta’s New Product Experimentation (NPE) team created the app, which is a collection of experimental applications and services. Couples may use Tuned to secretly communicate their thoughts and feelings, as well as write notes to one another. Couples may also play activities to get to know one other better, and Spotify integration is available for music exchange.
Meta has begun telling Tuned users that the app will be discontinued on September 19th. That is also the deadline for consumers to download their data. Tuned doesn’t explain why it’s being discontinued, and its app sites on Google Play and the App Store don’t give any further information.
Tuned seems to be well-received with couples, based on reviews and ratings. Tuned has been downloaded around 900,000 times on Android and iOS, according to Sensor Tower statistics.
Tuned’s demise might be linked to the timing of its release: just as pandemic lockdowns began to ratchet up. With most of the world’s mobility limitations eased, maybe fewer couples feel the need to use the app.
However, Meta’s NPE department does not have the finest track record for developing goods that stick. It shut down its video speed dating service, Sparked, earlier this year. There was also Lasso, a short-lived video-sharing app, and Hobbi, a Pinterest-like app. The list continues, with Aux, Hotline, Whale, and more joining the ranks of the NPE cemetery.
