ustyme (pronounced “us-time”) is a free video calling application available for iPad where users can come together and experience books, games and other quality content. For the holiday season, ustyme has some interesting plans, and they just happen to include our favorite mall loiterer, Santa Claus.
From Dec. 21 – 23, a limited number of lucky children will get a special holiday gift – a real-time ustyme video call with Santa as he reads the classic holiday tale, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Children will also have the opportunity to speak directly with Santa and ask him questions.
“We created ustyme because we know how valuable it is for children to feel special and develop strong relationships with their loved ones centered around positive activities like reading together,” said Linda Salesky, ustyme CEO and co-founder. “We wanted to incorporate those values into a shared experience with the jolliest person of all, Santa. We hope our ustyme provides more meaningful moments with families across the globe this holiday season.”
To participate in the 10-minute calls, which run from December 21 to 23 from 9 am to noon and 1-5 pm PST, users can simply download the app via iTunes and create an account. After doing so, add [email protected] to your ustyme friends by tapping the “add friend” icon in the application. An email will be sent from “Santa’s Chief Elf” to schedule the call. Sign in at the appropriate time to receive a call from the Chief Elf to be connected.
The ustyme launched in September and currently has over 50 books and games available, ranging from classics to, of course, holiday stories, as well as original content. The ustyme store also offers a variety of popular games, like Go Fish, Four-in-a-Row, Chess and Checkers. More content is added every month and starts at $0.99.