Instagram is Developing Another Direct Messaging App to Rival Snapchat

[MacRumors]

Facebook is said to be working on another messaging app called "Threads" that would act as a companion to the main Instagram app, reports The Verge.

Despite the demise of its standalone "Direct" messaging app, the social media company still appears intent on challenging Snapchat with the development of a rival platform. To that end, Threads would promote "constant, intimate sharing between users and close friends."

As per the Direct app, the core of Threads is messaging, and it looks very similar to Instagram's existing messaging interface. Messages from people on the user's "close friends" list in Instagram appear in a central feed, with a green dot indicating who is currently active.

Users can opt in to automatic sharing and Threads will regularly update their status, providing friends with real-time details on their location, speed, and more. The Verge notes that the app doesn't currently show friends a user's real-time location, but instead might say something like "on the move."

If a friend has posted an Instagram story recently, it can be viewed from inside Threads as well. There's also a camera interface for capturing photos and videos to share with close friends.

Whether Threads ever goes public remains to be seen, but it's worth noting that the Instagram Direct app was killed off because beta testers were reportedly frustrated about having to switch between Instagram and a second app for messages.

Still, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in March that he sees private messaging as the future of the company, so Threads could turn out to be a big part of that future.

Article Link: Instagram is Developing Another Direct Messaging App to Rival Snapchat

 

[Caliber26]

They should just give up. This is embarrassing. Not only are we over saturated with messaging platforms, but people are becoming more aware of how malignant Facebook is. Their demise can’t come soon enough.

 

[martyjmclean]

Fcukerberg's ego must've took a big one when Snapchat refused them sweet 3 billion dollarydoos.

 

[iDento]

Sigh... and there were rumors about Facebook reintegrating their Messenger app with the Facebook app. To be honest, I think the managers at Facebook are as confused about what to do as us, the users.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Lol good luck with that

 

[sshambles]

Suckerberg says ‘private messaging’ is the future of the company. The guy doesn’t know the meaning of the word private.

 

[Johnny London]

User data from messaging apps must be incredibly valuable.

 

[Robert.Walter]

Me trusting Facebook with this technology or these functions?

No way, no day.

Facebook is malignant and damages democracies for profit.

#boycottfacebook
#deletefacebook

 

[GadgetBen]

People, especially kids are wiser to you now Zuckerberg. This won’t take off.

 

[Nütztjanix]

Doesn't he have more than enough to read with all that WhatsApp conversations?

 

[thisistomok]

People, especially kids are wiser to you now Zuckerberg. This won’t take off.

Eh, people are wiser, but they’re certainly not voting with their feet.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

We're still waiting for an Instagram app for iPad that fills the screen without using zoom mode!

 

[MvdM]

They should just give up. This is embarrassing. Not only are we over saturated with messaging platforms, but people are becoming more aware of how malignant Facebook is. Their demise can’t come soon enough.

Also, Threads is not a good name.

 

[uniquexoxo]

Facebook is said to be working on another messaging app called "Threads" that would act as a companion to the main Instagram app, reports The Verge.

Despite the demise of its standalone "Direct" messaging app, the social media company still appears intent on challenging Snapchat with the development of a rival platform. To that end, Threads would promote "constant, intimate sharing between users and close friends."

As per the Direct app, the core of Threads is messaging, and it looks very similar to Instagram's existing messaging interface. Messages from people on the user's "close friends" list in Instagram appear in a central feed, with a green dot indicating who is currently active.

Users can opt in to automatic sharing and Threads will regularly update their status, providing friends with real-time details on their location, speed, and more. The Verge notes that the app doesn't currently show friends a user's real-time location, but instead might say something like "on the move."

If a friend has posted an Instagram story recently, it can be viewed from inside Threads as well. There's also a camera interface for capturing photos and videos to share with close friends.

Whether Threads ever goes public remains to be seen, but it's worth noting that the Instagram Direct app was killed off because beta testers were reportedly frustrated about having to switch between Instagram and a second app for messages.

Still, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in March that he sees private messaging as the future of the company, so Threads could turn out to be a big part of that future.

Article Link: Instagram is Developing Another Direct Messaging App to Rival Snapchat

Oh no not again ‍♀️ They did this to Facebook. Now additional app to install more places for them to display their target advertisements

 

[PBG4 Dude]

Also, Threads is not a good name.

You remember that apocalypse movie too?

https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0090163/

Gave up FB last year after all the privacy fiascos. It was almost as bad as quitting tobacco. That surprised me.

 

[AKDub]

It must be dull working for facebook

 

[TheSkywalker77]

More data to suck out of me!! Messenger 2.0!

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

We're still waiting for an Instagram app for iPad that fills the screen without using zoom mode!

THIS!!!! Can't believe this wasn't done years ago as popular as the iPad is.

 

[AKDub]

THIS!!!! Can't believe this wasn't done years ago as popular as the iPad is.

iPads are often stay at home devices. They already know where you live, they need to know where you go.

 

[TheSkywalker77]

THIS!!!! Can't believe this wasn't done years ago as popular as the iPad is.

Lazy af developers, there's a ton of stuff that needs to be done in Instagram that'd be simple to do but still hasn't been done.

 

[Sasparilla]

People, especially kids are wiser to you now Zuckerberg. This won’t take off.

I hope you're right. Was talking to some high schoolers here in the midwest over the weekend and asked them what they used for social media and messaging. Most had iPhones, Snapchat and iChat (sounds relatively good) and Facebook Messenger and others Instagram.

Facebook has made itself such a monopoly player within different social media app categories that (whether Facebook, F. Messenger, WhatsApp or Instagram) its almost impossible for any age group (which focus on different app categories) to avoid getting pulled into the tar. I remember looking for a job 5 years ago and being told I had to have an active Facebook account as many employers will check it (this is before you'll get to the stage where you get a phone interview).

 

[Blakjack]

Social media has ruined society. It definitely has its benefits, but boy has it created a selfish, entitled, and gutless society.

 

[Kabeyun]

The must’ve decided they can still profit from a few remaining deeply personal life details people are willing to disclose for the sake of convenience or amusement.

 

[stanman64]

Social media has ruined society. It definitely has its benefits, but boy has it created a selfish, entitled, and gutless society.

Not to mention everyone being on their phones constantly, and relentlessly taking pictures to try to get that perfect shot to post on Facebook... I have family visiting from out of town right now and it’s driving me nuts. Can’t just enjoy something, gotta take 800 pictures and check in to Facebook everywhere.

 

[one more]

As if Instagram itself was not enough, lol.