# ChMate

> Japanese textboard browser for Android

**Wikidata**: [Q114694582](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q114694582)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chmate

## Summary
ChMate is a Japanese textboard browser application designed for Android devices. It allows users to access and browse 2channel (2ch) and 5channel textboards on mobile platforms. The app was first published on February 7, 2011, and is distributed through Google Play.

## Key Facts
- ChMate is a proprietary mobile app developed for Android devices
- The application was first published on February 7, 2011
- It is written in Java programming language
- ChMate is distributed through Google Play Store with app ID jp.co.airfront.android.a2chMate
- The app's website is https://chmate.airfront.co.jp/ (in Japanese)
- It requires Android as its operating system platform
- The app uses touchscreen as its primary input device
- ChMate's privacy policy is available at https://www.airfront.co.jp/products/2chMate/privacy.txt
- The app's email address is android@airfront.co.jp
- It has a Google+ ID of 104597433836338574195

### Q: What is ChMate used for?
A: ChMate is a mobile application that allows users to browse Japanese textboards, specifically 2channel (2ch) and 5channel, on Android devices. It provides a mobile interface for accessing these popular Japanese online discussion platforms.

### Q: When was ChMate first released?
A: ChMate was first published on February 7, 2011, according to its Google Play Store listing.

### Q: What programming language is ChMate written in?
A: ChMate is written in Java, an object-oriented programming language that was first introduced in 1995.

### Q: Where can I download ChMate?
A: ChMate is distributed through the Google Play Store, where it can be downloaded and installed on compatible Android devices.

### Q: Is ChMate free to use?
A: While the source material doesn't explicitly state the pricing model, as a proprietary software distributed through Google Play, ChMate may be available as a paid or freemium application.

## Why It Matters
ChMate represents an important bridge between traditional Japanese textboard culture and modern mobile technology. As one of the early mobile applications for accessing 2channel and 5channel, it played a significant role in making these influential Japanese online discussion platforms accessible to users on the go. The app's development coincided with the rapid growth of smartphone adoption in Japan, addressing the need for mobile-friendly interfaces to text-based online communities. By providing a dedicated mobile browser for these textboards, ChMate helped preserve and extend the reach of Japan's unique internet culture, allowing users to participate in discussions and access information from anywhere. Its continued presence in the Google Play Store demonstrates its ongoing relevance in the Japanese mobile app ecosystem and its contribution to maintaining the accessibility of textboard communities in the mobile era.

## Notable For
- One of the pioneering mobile applications for accessing Japanese textboards on Android devices
- Provides a dedicated interface for browsing 2channel (2ch) and 5channel, two of Japan's most influential online discussion platforms
- Demonstrates the adaptation of traditional text-based internet culture to modern mobile platforms
- Maintains a significant presence in the Japanese mobile app market since 2011
- Offers a specialized solution for accessing Japanese-language textboards, catering to a specific user base

## Body
### Technical Specifications
ChMate is built using Java, an object-oriented programming language that has been widely used for Android application development since the platform's inception. The app is specifically designed to run on Android devices, which were first released on September 23, 2008. As a mobile application, ChMate utilizes touchscreen input as its primary interaction method, aligning with standard Android device capabilities.

### Distribution and Availability
The application is distributed through Google Play, one of the largest app marketplaces for Android devices. Its Google Play Store app ID is jp.co.airfront.android.a2chMate, which follows the standard reverse domain name notation for Android applications. The app's presence on Google Play since 2011 indicates its longevity and continued relevance in the Japanese mobile app market.

### Language and Localization
ChMate is primarily designed for Japanese users, as evidenced by its Japanese-language website, FAQ page, and privacy policy. The app's name itself, "ChMate," is likely derived from "2ch Mate," referring to its function as a companion application for 2channel browsing. The use of Japanese language throughout its documentation and interface suggests a targeted approach to serving the Japanese-speaking textboard community.

### Company and Support
The application is developed by Airfront Co., Ltd., as indicated by the email address android@airfront.co.jp provided for support. The company maintains a dedicated website for ChMate at https://chmate.airfront.co.jp/, which includes documentation and support resources in Japanese. This level of dedicated support and documentation suggests a commitment to maintaining and improving the application over time.

### Cultural Significance
By providing a mobile interface for 2channel and 5channel, ChMate plays a crucial role in preserving access to these influential Japanese textboard communities. These platforms have been central to Japanese internet culture since the late 1990s, serving as hubs for discussion, information sharing, and even meme creation. ChMate's existence ensures that this cultural phenomenon remains accessible in the mobile era, allowing users to participate in these communities regardless of their location or device preference.

## References

1. Google Play