Facebook, Inc. FB in its F8 developer conference 2015 made a number of announcements regarding its platforms like Messenger, WhatsApp, Oculus and other aspects of the business.
Specifically, Facebook made important revelations regarding the possibilities in Messenger. The social media giant has made some impressive efforts to integrate a host of functionalities in the Messenger with an intention of providing a more holistic and rich experience to users.
The Messenger will now come with a range of features like the option for accessing apps like Giphy for instant GIF searching, voice changes for voice messages and even a drawing pad within the Messenger. This will enable users to enhance their experience without installing a number of different apps. Furthermore, the platform will be made open to developers who in turn will add functionalities.
Apart from individuals, the Messenger also has specific functionalities for businesses. The company previewed ‘Businesses on Messenger’ at the conference. The novel feature will connect people with businesses, especially in the e-commerce sector.
Users will not only be able to track their purchases and receive all the necessary information regarding the same, but will also be able to receive notifications and make queries from the app. This feature is likely to act as a bridge between retailers and consumers. The company announced that initially Businesses on Messenger will be launched with a couple of partners.
Apart from the Messenger, the other key takeaways from the conference are features like embedding Facebook videos on other websites, ability to view 360 degree spherical videos using Oculus virtual reality headset, improved comments section and a mobile app analytics tool for developers. In addition, Facebook is also bringing in new software development kits (SDKs) for its Parse mobile app development platform in sync with its ‘Internet of Things’ vision. Developers will now be able to make innovative solutions using the data from Internet-connected consumer devices.
Facebook is also making efforts to enhance its ad business by leveraging the LiveRail acquisition. The company also provided updates on its UAV platform, its developments with AI research and the iOS version for the native environments framework, React Native that can be accessed from GitHub.
Facebook is set to develop smart and integrated offerings for its users and that too keeping in mind their needs. We believe that, though ambitious, these initiatives are encouraging and are likely to enable this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company to maintain its premium position amid stiff competition from peers like Google Inc’s GOOGL, Twitter TWTR and LinkedIn Corp. LNKD.
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