Facebook announces new VR headset, updates for its social and messaging platforms
F8 is Facebook’s annual event where developers and businesses explore what’s next in technology as it relates to the platform and its ancillaries. This year was the biggest yet, with more than 50 sessions and interactive experiences.
Mark Zuckerberg kicked off the event with a keynote focused on the topic that’s been on everyone's mind: security issues.
Speaking about the recent controversies with Cambridge Analytica and Russian meddling, Zuckerberg said, "We need to make sure this never happens again.” He also said Facebook will be taking a broader view of their responsibility to not only give people powerful tools but to also make sure those tools are used for good.
Facebook’s goal is to connect individuals and put people first – ultimately to bring people closer together. As such, it will continue to build new services that bring people together in meaningful new ways across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Oculus. But, there will be a new focus on safety and security.
One new tool the platform is building to address this issues will be called Clear History. Clear History will let users clear their Facebook history, including information from collected from apps and websites you’ve interacted with.
Facebook is also reopening its app review process to make sure apps are secure and are here to do good.
A dating app, calling it quits on the Explorer Tab, and lots of virtual reality
Aside from the focus on safety and security, the F8 event also introduced several new features the platform will be creating, including a dating app!
Believe it or not, one in three marriages begin on Facebook. The social media giant wants to continue to help users find and build long-term relationships and is adding an opt-in dating profile feature. Once you opt-in, Facebook will match you will people it thinks you would be interested in, based on similar interests, groups and events, dating preferences, and mutual friends. However, you will never be matched will someone on your friend's list. Facebook will start testing this feature later this year.
Facebook also announced that the Explorer Tab will be removed.
Of course, virtual reality was a huge theme this year. Facebook is trying to bring VR into the mainstream.
The standalone VR headset from Facebook is now available for purchase. The Oculus Go starts at $199 and has more than 1,000 apps, games, and experiences. There is also a TV hub where users can stream from ESPN, Netflix, Showtime, and more.
The VR headset is giving people new to virtual reality a way to fully experience it and share it with others. Join family and connect with your favorite entertainment, including in Oculus Venues, Oculus Rooms, and Oculus TV.
Additionally, Facebook has added the ability for 3D posts and people will be able to take 3D objects from the News Feed and add them to the Facebook Camera AR. Later this summer Facebook will add 3D Photos which will let people capture 3D moments via smartphone and share on facebook.
Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram
In addition to announcements related to Facebook, F8 also made announcements about the other platforms in its family: Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
Starting with Messenger, the big news is that the app will begin rolling out chat translation through the M Suggestions assistant. Starting with just English-Spanish conversations, the feature will be available for U.S. users who are conversing through the Facebook Marketplace. Eventually, it will be available for all U.S. Messenger users. Over time the plan is for Facebook to launch this functionality to additional languages and countries.
The other major news pertaining to the messaging app is a simplification of the interface.
“When you’re messaging, you really want a simple and fast experience,” Zuckerberg said during his keynote. “We’re taking this moment to completely redesign Messenger to focus on these ideas.”
The app had become cluttered with many superfluous features. The new design was teased during its announcement and appeared cleaner and simpler. It will also have a night mode.
WhatsApp is adding group video chat options and will allow people to call numerous people at once. Another focus is to give large businesses tools on WhatsApp to communicate with customers. Features for businesses include profiles, labels, statistics, and quick replies. Learn more here.
Lastly, Instagram is updating a couple things. It’s adding a GoPro integration which allows people to have a direct link to post Instagram Stories from the GoPro app. It will also have integration with the Spotify app to easily share stickers of songs or playlists you're listening to.
Instagram will also add augmented reality camera effects. The camera effects will be designed by Instagram partners and will only show up in the cameras of their followers. Additionally, through the Explore design, you will be able to follow topic channels to explore specific interests. There is also now an anti-bullying filter to hide upsetting comments and keep comment sections clean. The filter will look out for comments attacking someone's appearance or character, or making threats against them.
Those are just some of the highlights from the F8 event! What announcement are you most looking forward to? Let us know!
We talked about this topic during our #TrainingTuesday Magnet Marketers live stream. Watch it now to hear some of our opinions about these updates and releases.
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