Day 1 of Facebook’s F8 was full of new announcements and updates about Mark Zuckerburg’s vision towards different platforms owned by him. Here are 10 major takeaways from this conference.
1. Dating option
A lot of users already spend time on Facebook for meeting new people but Facebook is working on a feature for dating purposes. In this, Facebook will match users based on their data, and chat will be done in a dedicated inbox rather than Messenger.
2. Video chat on Instagram
Users on Instagram will soon get the option of video chat. The explore tab will get updated and a new filter to protect users from bullying comments will be added.
3. App review opening again
Facebook paused the app review process on app store due to the Cambridge Analytica case and the option will continue to get the feedback of users and improve the platform.
4. AR Camera Effects for Instagram
Last year, at the same event Mark announced about the AR camera platform, and now it will be available on Instagram. Creators will be able to create interactive camera experiences including face filters for their followers.
5. Clear History option
Facebook is also working on the privacy of users and a dedicated option for clearing history is expected to arrive soon. It will be like deleting cookies from your browser.
6. Oculus Go
Facebook’s standalone VR headset, Oculus Go, is now available to buy. The price of 32GB version is $199 and 64GB version costs $249.
7. WhatsApp to get group calling soon
After getting a good response from voice calling, Facebook is working on launching the group calling option on WhatsApp. Stickers will be available WhatsApp soon.
8. M Translations
Facebook is improving the Marketplace also where users can buy and sell products locally. To improve communication, users will get translation option to covert the messages according to their favourable language.
9. Sharing from other popular apps
The stories option is also getting some major changes as Facebook wants it to be more interactive and useful for the users. There will be an option for sharing images and videos through popular apps like Spotify, SoundCloud, and GoPro, directly to Stories inside Facebook and Instagram.
10. VR Memories and 3D photos
Facebook is introducing 3D illustrations to the News Feed. The 2D photos will be changed into VR memories. This shows that Facebook is concerned about future trends of content and wants to stay ahead from other platforms.
