Disappearing pictures just weren't enough. Snapchat, the here-today, gone-today photo-and-video messaging service, announced Thursday that it will add two new functions to its apps: text messaging and video chat.
It's no surprise that Snapchat would want to fill this gap. Previously, users would have to switch to other SMS and video apps to accomplish the same thing. The new app will show you which of your friends are online and available to receive text or video messages, and will work on both Wi-Fi and cellular signals. (Be mindful, though — messaging apps are some of the worst offenders for battery-drain.)
"The goal has always been to move beyond messaging," Snapchat cofounder Evan Spiegel told The New York Times. "We’re trying to take the traditional text conversation and make it better." You know, by making it a video conversation. (New York Times)