Facebook is making some major changes
If you weren't aware, Facebook is currently having its annual conference in San Francisco, where they talk about the future of the business. Yes, it might sound a bit yawn, but there's a LOT of changes coming our way so, here's what you need to know: 1. You can look back and cringe at old pics On This Day is a new way to look back at old things you have shared or been tagged in on Facebook. Plus, oh joy of joys, only YOU can see it, unless you choose to share it with your friends (obvs). Basically think TimeHop, but owned by Facebook. All you'll need to do is visit facebook.com/onthisday and choose to subscribe, ready for when it is rolled out on a screen near you very soon 2. Messenger is getting LOADS of cool updates Mainly you can finally send GIFs. WHOOP! Messenger is opening up to third parties, which means you can use things like Bitmoji and Giphy within the app, making messaging a lot more fun. There will be more freedom to use photos, videos, audio clips, but mainly, you should probably start stock-piling reaction GIFs now. Here's one to get you started: 3. And some slightly less cool updates Mainly the one that means brands can message you. But hopefully it won't be too spammy, as Facebook uses the example of online shopping (which Facebook is gradually branching into). If you buy something via Facebook (or even from one of the external brands Facebook is starting to partner with), they can message you about your order and you can also do things like update or change your purchase. 4. You can do more with videos As well as using videos in Facebook Messenger, the new Embedded Video Player function means you can now embed Facebook videos elsewhere - making it a new competitor with the likes of YouTube. Plus, they're working on new 360-degree video experience that means people with virtual reality headsets can have a super snazzy time viewing videos from different angles. 5. There is a LOT of development coming Facebook has got more than just messaging on its mind. They explain on their blog: "Developers can now easily use Parse to build a whole new category of apps for connected devices, from garage door openers to smoke detectors to wearable wristbands." So, in the not-too-distant future, we could be using Facebook for pretty much everything, by the sounds of it - turning off lights, recording shows on TV…?
Labels: technology