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Snapchat adds Video Calls and Instant Messaging

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9h30NcVy4E]

The popular Snapchat app has been updated [iTunes], adding one-to-one instant messaging and live video calls …

Swipe right on a friend’s name in your Snapchat inbox to start chatting. When you leave the chat screen, messages viewed by both you and your friend will be cleared – but either of you can always tap or screenshot to save anything you’d like to keep (addresses, to-do lists, etc.)!

We let you know when a friend is here in your chat so that you can give each other your full attention. And if you’re both here, simply press and hold to share live video – and chat face-to-face!

The app added phone number opt-out in January, to address privacy concerns associated with the Find Friend function. An earlier update introduced photo filters, as well as allowing more ‘best friends.’

Snapchat is designed around the concept of sharing brief moments with friends, with photos and videos disappearing after they have been viewed. The app is a free download from iTunes.

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Comments

  1. Pavel Kupec (@PKupec) - 10 years ago

    If only the update was available

    • Ben Lovejoy - 10 years ago

      Will probably come through later today – seen this a few times, where an update is announced but not immediately available on the day.

  2. Anthony Moschini - 10 years ago

    These features seem ridiculous.

  3. Joel Henson - 10 years ago

    Don’t these features do the exact opposite of what this app was intended for you to do?

  4. Brandon Brooks - 10 years ago

    So is this supposed to get me not to use the built in text messaging app and facetime?

  5. I still haven’t received an update yet

  6. Seems dumb they would send out a snap that has “double click to upgrade” and the update not be available.. -_-

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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