Family Story now available for Samsung Windows Phone devices

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Samsung Family Story, an app and services for sharing photos and messages with family members and close friends, is now available exclusively for Samsung devices from the Samsung collection in the Windows Phone Marketplace. Family Story will be pre-loaded on some Samsung Omnia M devices, following in the footsteps of Samsung ChatOn.

Family Story is Samsung's "screen media convergence" service. Or to put it in human terms, it's a way of easily sharing a family story (consisting of photos, videos, and messages), across multiple devices (PCs, tablets, mobile phones, TVs) with loved ones. Samsung describes it as a "social network service for families". The assumption being than you're willing to share much more with your family, than you may be through a general social network, like Twitter or Facebook. 

Family Story works by setting up a group and then inviting family members to join. In order to set this up, or join an existing group, you'll need a free Samsung account, but it is a straight forward process. Once you're a member of a group you can invite others to join the group.

All members of the group can upload photos, leave comments on uploaded photos, and leave messages (status updates) for the rest of the group to view and read. There's also support for events, allowing you to remind family members about upcoming events and activities. 

Family Story ScreenshotFamily Story Screenshot

Family Story is already available, and pre-loaded, on a number of Samsung smartphones (Android), tablets and smart TVs. It's also available through the web at FamilyStory.com. Extending the service's reach to Windows Phone is a logical move, enabling more people to access the service, which is important because its value is directly proportional to the number of family members who can easily access and participate in the service.

Part of the appeal of the service, regardless of what device it is running on,  is that it collates uploaded media and presents it in a visually appealing stream or "family story". The Windows Phone app is no exception; it combines information on the a scrollable opening panorama, but can also dive into individual photos, messages, or family members with a simple tap. It also makes it easy to add comments to existing content, upload new photos, or post a new message.

If you are a "Samsung family" then the service is well worth a look, it certainly make media sharing as painless as possible. However, the Samsung only nature of the service is likely to limits its appeal... most families are likely to have consumer electronics from a number of manufacturers... and many will already have established ways to share photos and other media.

Making Family Share available to other Windows Phone devices would help, but in fairness, from Samsung's point of view, that does have to be balanced against providing some differentiation for its Windows Phone devices.

Marketplace description:

An exclusive sharing space for your family. Strengthen family bonding by creating your own family story. Family Story is a tighter and more private social network services that you can connect, communicate and share memories with your family members or close friends.

By downloading family story app on your mobile, you can:

  • Enjoy family photos: Upload photos and leave comments that family members can view from anywhere via the phone, tablet, PC or TV
  • Share message: Enhance communication by writing a message and showing it to all family members
  • Manage family events: strengthen family bonding by sharing family events/reminders earlier with family

Family Story can be downloaded from the Samsung section of the Windows Phone Marketplace, or by scanning the QR code on this page.

Source / Credit: AAWP App Directory