Path introduced a new version of its Talk messaging app Tuesday for people wishing they could send text messages to businesses in town instead of having to call them.
The updated version, called Path Talk 1.1, allows users to text local businesses to make reservations and appointments, as well as ask about when the stores are open, according to PC Magazine.
The photo-sharing service is also providing an Agent that will make a phone call for the user to find out about appointments and availability of certain products. The agent will text the user back with answers to their questions if they get a response from the business.
Path Talk 1.1 also comes with a new "Places" tab for asking questions, and is put alongside the app's "Messages" and "People" tabs, TechCrunch reported. Different icons are provided in Places, such as identifying icons, which tell users what kind of business they are, and status icons, which tell users whether the store is open or closed.
Messages will display all the questions and responses made on the new Path Talk, as well as conversations the user had with other people on the app.
The goal of the new Path Talk is to make it easier for people to set up appointments and reservations. The app is also designed to keep users from having to go to the store to check prices for products they like, or wait on hold for someone to answer their questions.
The release of the new service follows several months after Path bought messaging app TalkTo, which lets users text businesses that are close by and get responses within minutes, PC Magazine reported. It was at this time that the company announced its release of Path Talk.
In addition to making the process of contacting businesses easier, Path Talk 1.1 is available to use for free.
"We built Places to help you save time and get things done - giving you more freedom to focus on things that matter to you," Path wrote in a blog post Tuesday. "Our intention is that it brings you happiness and a more meaningful, personal connection with the local businesses that are a big part of your life, too."
