Canadian Facebook Inc. users are the first in the world to test a new mobile feature that should make photos or videos a little more fun for people, especially if they're into taking selfies.
Starting Friday, the company is rolling out a new in-app camera feature exclusively to Canada and Brazil that allows users to take photos or videos right from the top of their News Feed while also having the option to add filter, frame and mask enhancements in real time. The person can then save the final product, whether photo or video, and share it on Facebook.
The first batch of filters are centred around the Olympic Games, with the ability to add Canadian flags and phrases to "celebrate Canadian athletes competing" in Rio.
"The way people communicate is changing — photos and videos are being used to share more than ever," Facebook said in a statement. "Today, we're starting to test an in-app camera at the top of feed in Canada that lets you enhance your photos or videos with filters, frames and masks."
Facebook told the Financial Post the photo enhancements will initially only be available during key events or moments, such as the Olympic Games. The company said it plans to add to them over time as it hears what people appreciate the most.
If these enhancements look and sound a bit like Snapchat filters or lenses, that's because they are like Snapchat filters and lenses. But whether people use the enhancement features or not, which they no doubt will, the ability to take images or videos right from the top of News Feed is certainly a welcomed addition.
Friday's announcement comes the same week that Facebook-owned Instagram launched its Instagram Stories feature. Already Stories has been heavily criticized as being a Snapchat copycat, despite having the appeal of an already large network and a more intuitive experience.
Expect to see more patriotic pride in your News Feed soon, as the new features are already beginning to roll out here in Canada.
Financial Post
jomcconnell@postmedia.comTwitter.com/JoshMcConnell
Source: Facebook Inc tests new Snapchat-inspired camera filters, frames and masks in Canada for Olympics
No comments:
Post a Comment