During the Facebook F8 developer conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled several new features coming to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other apps. Here are the top 5 announcements you need to know about.
During the Facebook F8 developer conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled several new features coming to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other apps. Here are the top 5 announcements you need to know about.
1. Facebook Dating
Facebook is entering the dating game, Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said, planning a dating service to match make millions of people on the world's largest online social network and nudge them into spending more time there.
The service, which Facebook had considered offering for over a decade and will launch soon, could help rebuild its popularity among younger consumers and make people visit the site more often, two key challenges for the business.
Zuckerberg said Facebook was building the dating service with an emphasis on privacy, a sensitive subject for people who use dating websites and for Facebook as the company reels from a scandal over its handling of personal information.
A dating service could increase the time people spend on Facebook and be a "big problem" for competitors such as Match Group, said James Cordwell, an analyst at Atlantic Equities. Match, the owner of popular mobile dating app Tinder and OkCupid, calls itself the "global leader in dating" on its website.
2. Messenger revamp
During the conference, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg admitted that Messenger was too cluttered and will soon offer a revamped version of the service. Messenger VP of product David Marcus has reportedly said that the “overall refresh is focused on making things cleaner and faster.” Additionally, the company is also launching the ability for brands to integrate AR camera effects into their Messenger experience. This feature, launching in closed beta, helps people get valuable, instant feedback about purchases, and more.
3. Oculus Go
Facebook announced the company’s first standalone headset Oculus Go during the F8 Conference. The device is now available at oculus.com. The device is launching with 1,000+ apps and games. It will be available for $199 for the 32GB storage variant or $249 for the 64GB storage variant.
The device includes a 538ppi 2560 x 1440 WQHD, fast-switch LCD display. It also includes a built-in spatial audio and an integrated microphone which allows for maximum immersion straight out of the box, while headset weight, support straps, and the facial interface have all been optimized for the best fit and feel possible.
4. WhatsApp Group Calling Feature
During the F8 Developer Conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg finally announced that WhatsApp will receive group voice and video calling features soon. At the moment, no details have been shared.
The company mentioned in a blog, “Voice and video calling are very popular on WhatsApp, and we’re excited to share that group calling will be coming in the months ahead. Stickers are also coming to WhatsApp soon.”
The new feature will reportedly allow four users to chat simultaneously. Users have already clocked in over 2 billion minutes of video and audio calls. WhatsApp will also support third-party stickers created by developers respectively.
5. Instagram
New features are coming to Instagram as well. Firstly, using AR Studio, creators will be able to design unique, interactive camera experiences, including face filters and world effects, for their followers on Instagram. Also, the service is bringing in video chat, which will be available in Instagram Direct.
Lastly, Instagram will also get revamped Explore. The new Explore will organize suggested content into relevant topic channels, making it easier to browse across interests, while going deeper into any specific area. Both features are being tested right now and will soon be rolling out globally.
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