Well, do you really think a regular person will care a lot about storing data? Ok, maybe after Snowden's leaks they will give a second thought about sharing intimate pictures but other than that... For us, HNers, it's hard to understand 'a regular person' because we are far from.
Speaking of reasons, I would say doing one thing and doing it well.
After FB has invested all that money, their messenger app is still behind. Sync issue was a big one. Up until recently, FB messages wouldn't reach my phone or they would reach hours after being sent. And I don't live in a forest in Africa.
Second, I find the UX poor. It's hard to point out but using e.g. WhatsApp just feels more... natural. Don't know why.
Also, I think the fact that your phone book is the first class citizen is a big one. You don't need to add, confirm anything. It's just already there. And that makes a perfect sense. If you have a phone book with all the contacts, why would you need a new list of contacts.
Basically, WhatsApp is just SMS on steroids. Taking a proven technology and improving it. That's also innovation.
I think people care more about it than you think and the long term is they will care more. It's not just needs that talk about "FB stalking" or think LinkedIn is creepy.
Speaking of reasons, I would say doing one thing and doing it well.
After FB has invested all that money, their messenger app is still behind. Sync issue was a big one. Up until recently, FB messages wouldn't reach my phone or they would reach hours after being sent. And I don't live in a forest in Africa.
Second, I find the UX poor. It's hard to point out but using e.g. WhatsApp just feels more... natural. Don't know why.
Also, I think the fact that your phone book is the first class citizen is a big one. You don't need to add, confirm anything. It's just already there. And that makes a perfect sense. If you have a phone book with all the contacts, why would you need a new list of contacts.
Basically, WhatsApp is just SMS on steroids. Taking a proven technology and improving it. That's also innovation.