The Android version of Clubhouse is still a couple of months away, according to Clubhouse co-founder Paul Davison.
The long-awaited and heavily requested Android version of the voice-only social media platform is very much under development, with Clubhouse keen to continue to is sizzling successes on iOS. But the company won't push the Android version of the app live until it's completely ready to go, ensuring it doesn't encounter any unforeseen launch issues.
Clubhouse on Android: Keep Waiting
During Clubhouse's weekly Townhall event, where the company founders and developers discuss the app, co-founder Davison said the Android app could take a "couple of months" to appear. Even then, there was no definite timeline on offer, with Davison keen not to tie himself or Clubhouse to a specific period.
Earlier in January 2021, a post on the official Clubhouse blog confirmed that the company would begin development of the Android version "soon." Also, the company hoped to add "more accessibility and localization features so that people all over the world can experience Clubhouse in a way that feels native to them."
Currently, it appears Android users must wait until mid-2021 before gaining access to the app. Presumably, Clubhouse will stick to its invite-only principle that has worked so well on iOS, pushing demand and creating an air of exclusivity.
However, with that said, Davison also talked about dropping Clubhouse's invite-only sign-ups in the near future.
Clubhouse Competitors Fill Android Void
Clubhouse's absence on Google's Play Store and Android devices has given its competitors time to react. Clubhouse got the drop on iOS, but it is unlikely to have such an advantage when it launches on Android later this year.
Since Clubhouse's launch, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram have all announced similar services for their platforms, hoping to capture the market, as well as hold onto their existing users.
Indeed, Telegram has already launched its Voice Chat 2.0 unlimited voice chatting option to its users. At the same time, Twitter Spaces is up and running, with plans for a widespread public launch at an as-yet-unspecified date in April 2021.
The lack of a Clubhouse Android app is causing issues for Android users in more ways than one. We recently reported on a fake Android Clubhouse app masquerading as the social media platform but stealing user credentials instead.
With several months until the Clubhouse Android app appears, there's plenty more time for criminals to strike again.