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After reportedly failing to secure Snapchat for $3 billion, it appears Facebook will soon fire back with a competitor of their own: Slingshot. The app, which landed in the Apple App Store earlier today, seems to have launched prematurely, with Facebook promptly removing the app while they prepare a formal press release no doubt. Before it was removed we were able to get a sneak peek at what the app will be about when it does launch, offering a unique take on sending photos and videos to friends.
Like Snapchat, you’ll be able to share or broadcast images or videos to a group of friends, only in order for them to view your media, they’ll first have to send you something in return. After unlocking your photo/video, they then have the opportunity to “react” to said message using a handy button in the app. This is a great way to check in with friends and is a fresh way of saying, “Hey, what are you up to right now?”
The real question is whether or not Facebook is planning on bringing this to Android as their slip up this morning was only for the iOS version of the app. As we await a formal announcement, tell us: do you think Slingshot has a chance at competing with a giant like Snapchat?
Having to send something in return before being able to view stuff just seems stupid. Most of the snapchats I send/receive are of random things I come across on a daily basis that require no reply.
That’s why there are choices. This one obviously does not appeal to you. Can’t say it does to me either, however I appreciate a app that is at least trying to be a little different.
True, but I would imagine you would attract a much larger user base by dropping the “need” for a reply. FB are all about getting as many users to their services as possible, after all.
More like a thigh for a thigh :)
Eye for an eye image sending… Next era of sexting… Meh
More like a thigh for a thigh
That’s where the idea spawned from.
If Facebook was able to create a Snapchat knock-off in just a few months, the overlap between Snapchat users and Facebook users was considered dramatic, and Snapchat has no defensible IP, why was Zuckerberg ever considering a purchase of Snapchat at $3B???
I’m guessing userbase. A potential userbase that likely isn’t already using their messaging app was hugely enticing for them.
I think it’s a different concept. What makes Snapchat good is the endless sharing that can be done. I can’t react to a message I haven’t even seen.
But the question is, will it be extremely insecure?
I got dragged into snapchat by one of my friends and now realize people hardly ever bother to reply, to whatever I send them. No wonder I never wanted to join the bloody thing. : D ): [ So I reckon being obliged to respond is quite handy. : P