Facebook's last resort to trump Snapchat is an app called Slingshot, which was rumoured to be in development earlier this year. Facebook "accidentally" launched it for iPhone in a number of countries last night.
“If you can’t beat ’em, try to buy ’em. And if you can’t buy ’em, try to beat ’em again”: a pretty apt description of Facebook’s relationship and approach to Snapchat.
Facebook tried, and failed, to steal Snapchat’s thunder with its own messaging app called Poke in December 2012, before reportedly trying to buy Snapchat for $3bn a year later (which also failed).
Facebook’s last resort is an app called Slingshot, which was rumoured to be in development earlier this year. Facebook “accidentally” launched it for iPhone in a number of countries last night.
The app was quickly pulled from the App Store, but not before a few tech sites captured its promotional screenshots description. Essentially, Slingshot is like Snapchat in that it gets people to share photos and video clips with friends, including features to scribble on the former before sending.
Differences (or improvements?) include the ability for recipients to send a photo of their reaction back straight away, and also the requirement for them to “unlock” messages by sending their own in return.
A statement from Facebook following the early release of Slingshot concluded:
“Earlier today, we accidentally released a version of Slingshot, a new app we’re working on. With Slingshot, you’ll be able to share everyday moments with lots of people at once. It’ll be ready soon and we’re excited for you to try it out.” The company has not given a specific launch date.”
Slingshot also fits into Facebook’s evolving mobile strategy, based on more standalone apps for separate tasks, rather than the single Facebook app to do everything.
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