Facebook kicked off day 1 of its annual F8 conference highlighting six principles the company will now focus on. There were major announcements made on updates and features coming to Facebook and its umbrella of apps – Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
Facebook has announced that the Privacy is going to be the word of the day for this year. Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Facebook have got some new updates which should roll-out soon. Oculus Rift S and Quest will start shipping from 21 May onwards.
Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg unveiled a fresh design for the world’s biggest social network that de-emphasized its News Feed. It also ditched the signature blue banner that has been on the app since its launch.
The new design showcases Facebook’s messaging app, online marketplace, and video-on-demand site while giving greater prominence to the popular photo-driven Stories feature.
The company also rolled out features aimed at encouraging users to interact with their close social circle as well as with businesses, such as a “Secret Crush” option for Facebook Dating and a tool for appointment booking.
While speaking at Facebook’s annual F8 conference, where the company gives developers a peek at product releases, Zuckerberg said, “As the world gets bigger and more connected, we need that sense of intimacy more than ever. That’s why I believe that the future is private. This is the next chapter for our services.”
Here’s a breakdown of all the top announcements Facebook made at F8 2019.
Messenger: Facebook is revamping Messenger with focus on a lighter and faster version of the app. Messenger users will also be able to watch videos together. Messenger will also get a dedicated tab called ‘Close Friends’. Here, users will get to connect and see Stories from people they contact the most.
There’s also a desktop app for Messenger coming soon. This app will be available for Windows and macOS. All these new apps and features will be available later this year
Facebook redesign: The revamped Facebook on the desktop will, however, arrive in a few months. With ‘FB5’, Facebook is putting groups and communities at the core. The Groups tab is now being redesigned with a personalised feed and a new discovery tool. Facebook will also make it easier to find groups in other parts of platforms like Marketplace, Gaming, and Facebook Watch.
Facebook also launched a new section called ‘Meet New Friends’. As the name suggests, Facebook users will be able to start ‘friendships’ with people from their school, workplace or city. Another addition to Facebook is a new ‘Events’ tab where users will see recommendations for events and local businesses.
WhatsApp: New features coming to WhatsApp include algorithm-based Status updates. WhatsApp users will now see Status updates from friends they frequently contact.
WhatsApp Business is also getting product catalogues for small businesses which do not have a website. Facebook also announced it will launch WhatsApp Pay in global markets soon.
Facebook Dating: Facebook has expanded its dating service to 14 more countries including the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brazil. Facebook Dating is also getting a new feature called ‘Secret Crush’. With this feature, users can add up to nine people to their Secret Crush list. Facebook will notify those chosen saying that “someone has a crush on them”.
Instagram: Instagram users will now be able to shop products creators are wearing within the app. Users simply need to tap on the photo to see what items are listed and purchase them from Instagram. A new sticker with a cause is coming to Instagram Stories. Users will be able to use the donation sticker to create a fundraiser with all the money collected going directly to that organisation.
Instagram’s in-app camera is also getting a new ‘Create Mode’ with tools like effects and stickers. Confirming past reports, Instagram said it is testing a feature to hide the number of likes and views on photos and videos.
Hardware: Facebook is expanding its video calling devices Portal and Portal Plus to Canada and Europe. In addition to this, Portal devices are getting WhatsApp video calling support. Facebook has also opened pre-orders for Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift S.
Zuckerberg further added, “We’ve shown time and again as a company that we have what it takes to evolve.”
Investors greeted the announcements, mostly launching lower-margin businesses, with a lukewarm response. Facebook shares ended down 0.7 percent on Tuesday.
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