Facebook to introduce “Unsend” feature in Messenger

Facebook planned to announce this “Unsend” feature earlier but now this feature has been introduced in some markets of Poland, Colombia and Bolivia on both iOS and Android and Facebook has promised to capture other markets too. Facebook messenger has allowed its users to remove their messages from the recipient’s inbox. Facebook is also planning to add an expiry date for a single message or the entire message thread so if users want their messages to be deleted after six months, they will be able to remove those messages.

The new “Unsend” feature will appear as an additional option at the bottom of the screen and people can use it with the help of a long press on the message that has been sent. After a long press on the message, users will have options of copy, forward or delete and the new option will be “remove”. By tapping on this option, users can delete the message either for themselves or for all the recipients.

Messages can only be removed after the first 10 minutes of delivery to correct any mistake or removing something which is accidentally pushed but “Remove for everyone” button will leave an indicator that the message was retracted and after 10 minutes, user will be able to remove the message, but the message will remain in the recipient’s inbox. Facebook will retain those deleted messages for some time to see the policy violations, if reported.

Facebook has empowered its users to remove any kind of message whether it’s a text or a group chat, a photo, video, a link or any other form of message within 10 minutes of sending but only your side of messages will be deleted from the conversation.

Facebook Dating Services to launch in Canada and Thailand

Facebook started its new dating feature in Colombia which is an algorithm-powered home screen for people. This feature is based on the information which has been given to Facebook. The goal was to make Facebook best place to start a dating business online. It is basically an online dating platform providing convenience. This feature was launched in Colombia for testing purpose but now, Facebook is now expanding its dating app in Canada and Thailand with some new features including re-reviewing people and taking breaks by putting the services on pause. Apps like Tinder are trying to compete with this feature where you can find hookups by going through different options. This can only scratch surface with partnerships.

  

The Pause factor in new features is also announced by another dating app Bumble. A “Snooze button” was introduced by the app for those people who wanted a break from the dating app for a while because of frustration or because of busy routines. This feature solved problems of many people. Facebook provides opportunity to send message while being on a pause. Other dating apps charge money for a second look but, Facebook is giving this feature free for its users where they can go back and re-review people in reverse chronological order. Another feature will be introduced which will enable the users to review their blocked lists. This will be a support to non-metric units and more interactive profile content sharing like sharing hometown or school. All these features will be there in the new Facebook Dating app.

Users would be able to see these feature displayed vertically instead of horizontally while scrolling through groups and events. Facebook is also working on a preemptive block list, based on the feedback of the users, they will be able to search for people who are not in their Facebook friend list and they don’t want them to see. The new feature will put a limit on the users that they won’t be able to express interest in more than 100 people per day.

Facebook dating app is positioning services for the people who want relationships but the challenge is that user’s trust in the company is missing because dating is something more private that cannot be exposed on social network because people are connected with their families and business peers. Facebook is trying to maintain privacy of the people and helping them in finding their soul mates.

What is the Future of “Facebook Portal”?

Last month Facebook launched Portal and Portal+, a device for the home that offers video chat. People can use that device to talk to other portal owners as well as people who use Facebook and Messenger. These devices are equipped with 12 megapixel camera and microphones. You don’t need to sit at one place for video call, its latest AR technology allows the device to follow the movement of the person. Facebook states that the product will be available for shipment in November.

This product has somehow failed to get the instant attention of the users because this news came in same days when 50 million Facebook accounts were hacked and there was a breach of privacy of the account users. Due to this, privacy conscious people are hesitant to try this service as they think this will bring Facebook right into their homes. Facebook can look upon them and what sort of information they will retain from this device and most importantly, the device can be hacked too.

Facebook is trying to calm these people by emphasizing that people can disable their camera and microphones but still people are reluctant to use this service. Facebook has since reached out to change its answer: Portal doesn’t have ads, but data about who you call and data about which apps you use on Portal can be used to target you with ads on other Facebook-owned properties.

Facebook has started taking pre-orders in US. The 10 inch version is of $199 while 15 inch version costs $349. Will this device win the trust of consumers or not? Let’s wait till the launch.

Facebook is all set to compete with TikTok

Tiktok as we all know is a popular lip syncing app where people can record a 15 seconds clip syncing their lips while dancing on music or simply record themselves.

Previously it was Musical.ly app which grabbed the attention of social media users but then Chinese company Bytedance acquired Musical.ly for 1Billion$.

Now Facebook has decided to launch their stand-alone app with the name Lasso where people can lip sync and record themselves same as they do on TikTok. According to TechCrunch,“Its basically TikTok/Musically. Its full-screen, built for teens, fun and funny, and focused on creation. A lot of what they are doing is just trying to be cool.”

Recently, Facebook launched their new music feature and from this feature they added music into live story stickers. Now this new app is trying to capture the TikTok user’s attention by offering more than 15 seconds duration in their videos.