Facebook has launched photo-sharing app Slingshot, which requires users to reply to a message before opening it, a week after it was prematurely released by mistake.
HumanIPO reported last week Facebook “accidentally” released the app on the Apple app store prematurely, quickly withdrawing it from the store, but not before it was noticed by many.
Reports emerged suggesting the app is intended as a direct rival to Snapchat, with allegations surfacing a US$3 billion offer by Facebook to buy Snapchat was rejected.
The app has now been unveiled, with Slingshot users able to record a photo or video and send it to a single or multiple contacts, who will be able to view the content for a short time before it disappears.
However, recipients of a content message will not be able to view the message before they “sling” a message of their own back at the sender.
Facebook said the twist on traditional photo-sharing apps is intended to ensure everyone participates by preventing “spectators”, and like this the “pressure” of sharing is alleviated.
“With Slingshot, we wanted to build something where everybody is a creator and nobody is just a spectator. When everyone participates, there’s less pressure, more creativity and even the little things in life can turn into awesome shared experiences. This is what Slingshot is all about,” Facebook’s Creative Labs said.
The app also allows users to superimpose writing and sketches over photo content.
According to the creators of Slingshot, while rival photo-sharing app Snapchat has been enjoyable, the team wanted to create something “new”, in particular by introducing the capacity to send a given message to numerous recipients at once.
“Photos and videos that don’t stick around forever allow for sharing that’s more expressive, raw and spontaneous. We can connect the same way we like to live: in the moment,” the Creative Labs team said.
“We’ve enjoyed using Snapchat to send each other ephemeral messages and expect there to be a variety of apps that explore this new way of sharing.
“With Slingshot, we saw an opportunity to create something new and different: a space where you can share everyday moments with lots of people at once.”
Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
