WhatsApp adds Snapchat-style emoji, drawing, and editing tools
WhatsApp fails to acknowledge borrowing inspiration from Snapchat
Facebook had bid $3billion in 2013 to acquire Snapchat
WhatsApp has added a new update. If you capture a new photo or video or share one that’s already on your phone, you’ll spontaneously see the new editing tools added.
The difference is that before this update, WhatsApp’s image editing tools allows you to crop and rotates photos only. There were no editing options for photos or videos whatsoever.
However, WhatsApp has been accused of borrowing virtually everything that makes Snapchat’s camera so good, following in the footsteps of the rest of Facebook’s various mobile apps.
“Today we’re introducing new ways to customize and enhance the photos and videos you share with friends and family around the world. With WhatsApp’s new camera features, you can now write or draw on photos and videos, as well as add emoji to express yourself” WhatsApp said in a blog post.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp’s blog failed to acknowledge any form of inspiration from Snapchat, rather said it’s introducing the new features only as “new ways to customize and enhance the photos and videos you share with friends and family around the world.”
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Apart from WhatsApp has been criticized for borrowing features from Snapchat in the past. Instagram will not exonerate itself from this act. Although, Instagram had once gave credit to Snapchat for borrowing inspiration from them. Instagram took the concept of stories that had been popularized by Snapchat, implementing it in much the same way and openly admitting that it had gotten its inspiration from the popularity of Snapchat’s version.
Apparently, the new version which is available through an update on Android phones and on iPhone has been described at the latest move by Facebook to copy some of its biggest rival’s greatest features.
Historically, Facebook mobile apps (Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram) have a way of mimicking Snapchat. Facebook reportedly had had its eyes on Snapchat for years, even before Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel turned down Facebook’s $3 billion acquisition offer in 2013.
“Facebook is apprehensive about Snapchat. Facebook is used to owning social media, and not being the hottest girl on campus has them a little freaked out”, said, Scott Galloway, NYU Marketing Professor.
