FOR IPHONE ONLY, BUT ON ANDROID SOON, ALONG WITH OTHER BIG NEW FEATURES
Facebook announced three big new features today for its mobile app: live streaming, photo and video montages called “Collages, and a new dropdown menu for updating your status. The features are initially restricted to iPhone users in the U.S., but will eventually come to Android users as well. Facebook also appears to be testing a new concert ticket purchasing feature in San Francisco, but that isn't widely available yet. Here's a rundown:
Live streaming video apps have been a round for a few years, but the crazy really kicked off earlier this year with the app Meerkat, followed shortly by Twitter's Periscope, which allowed users to directly interact with their viewers. Never one to be one-upped, Facebook introduced the ability to livestream video in August with a feature called Live, but it was initially only for celebrities.
Facebook finally began rolling out Live for all users today. But right now, you can only do it if you’re a select iPhone user in the US.
To begin livestreaming, tap the “Update Status” button and choose the Live Video icon (it looks like a silhouette with two halos).
Much like Periscope, you can describe what you’re filming before the broadcast begins, as well as the number of viewers who are watching you and a live feed of comments. You’ll also have the option to be notified when the streamer you’re watching goes live again.
Unlike Periscope though, you’ll only be able to see the names of your friends who are watching you. Additionally broadcasts will automatically save to your timeline. Periscope videos-on-demand (or VODs) have to be downloaded as soon as a broadcast ends and are only able to be replayed for 24 hours.
Published at 10:41 AM
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