While imitation probably isn’t the sincerest form of flattery among competing tech companies, Facebook’s latest app updates are an obvious hat tip to Snapchat’s years-old features, consisting of camera filled with effects and filters, short visual Stories as well as disappearing messages.
“The way people create content is changing to be from text to photos and videos,” said Connor Hayes, product manager for Facebook stories. “This is changing the way they’re sharing with one another and interacting online. Something that Snapchat has really pioneered.” #Lel
So.. what’s new? Starting this week on iOS and Android, you can tap on the camera icon on the top left corner of the Facebook app or swipe right from News Feed to try out the new in-app camera.
The Facebook camera is packed with dozens of new effects like masks, frames and interactive filters that you can apply to your photos and videos. Reactive effects let you interact with dynamic objects like falling snow, while style effects apply artistic filter to your video in real time, letting you turn your everyday video selfie into a Picasso-style work of art.
They have also collaborated with brands to create masks for upcoming movies such as Alien: Covenant, Despicable Me 3, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Power Rangers, Smurfs: The Lost Village and Wonder Woman.
In addition to sharing to your Story, Facebook has also added Direct, an option that’s designed for sharing individual photos and videos with specific friends for a limited time.When you send a photo or video via Direct, your friends will be able to view it once and replay it or write a reply. Once the conversation on the photo or video ends, the content will no longer be visible.
Well, the new updates are basically tale as old as time, with an exception for the extra fresh filters!
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