HN Reader

Hi HN - I built TalkNow after repeatedly hitting a travel problem: in parts of the Middle East, common consumer calling features (e.g., VoIP calls inside popular chat apps) can be restricted or inconsistent, and you end up installing different apps depending on the country/operator. Reuters has noted VoIP limitations on WhatsApp in places like the UAE and Qatar (messaging works, calls can be restricted).

What it is: a small web app for instant 1:1 audio/video calls in the browser. Open the site → start a call → share a join code/link with one person → talk. No accounts. It’s intentionally limited to two people to keep the flow simple.

What’s different (vs meeting tools): No sign-up, minimal UI, optimize for “time-to-first-call” 1:1 only (not trying to be a full meeting platform) Aimed at cases where people don’t want to install yet another app while traveling

Feedback I’d love: Is the join code/link UX obvious? How is reliability across browsers/networks (especially mobile + hotel/cellular)? What should be next: screen share, better mobile layout, copy-link default, etc.