With people forced to work and learn from home, apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack have seen spikes in downloads as they become essential to daily life. When you sign off for the day, you might find yourself longing for some social contact other than through video calls with your coworkers.
Houseparty is a video-chatting app that lets you have a virtual party with up to 8 people. In June 2019, Houseparty was acquired by Epic Games, the makers of Fortnite, for an undisclosed amount, but the app originally launched in 2016. It’s now regaining popularity as experts warn about the importance of social distancing in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
As of Friday, COVID-19, the coronavirus disease, has infected more than 246,000 people worldwide, and has killed more than 10,000. On March 11, the World Health Organization officially declared it a pandemic. The virus has disrupted travel worldwide, leading to flight cancellations, quarantines, and other breakdowns in movement. New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington state, among other US locations, have closed bars and restaurants except for takeout as a way to encourage people remain home.
