Facebook has begun testing of its new live video streaming service which will enable about 1.5 billion users to broadcast in real time and share videos of fun events and family time via its social network. This service can be compared with Twitter’s Periscope which has been the most popular in broadcasting live events since it was introduced earlier this year. Another service is Meerkat which is also popular for live video broadcast.
The social network giant only started testing this feature with some iPhone users in the US and is yet to announce when the feature will be available to every Facebook user. It has also ensured to make the feature quite easy to use. It only requires the user to tap on ‘Update Status’ and select the Live Video Icon; and then write a description of the video and chose who to share with. While streaming, the user will be able to see those tuned in, all of whom will be able to make comments in real-time. After the live stream, the video will be saved to the user’s Timeline and can be kept for subsequent views or otherwise deleted.
There is also a new photo collage feature which groups photos and videos taken at the same time into a moving collage by showing you recent moments from your camera roll sorted according to time taken. The collage can then be edited by rearranging or changing the photos and videos to be included. This feature is now available on iPhone but Android users will need to wait till early next year.
According to Facebook, “Now you can bring the photos and videos you share on Facebook to life with live video and collages, to help friends and family feel like they’re in the moment with you… Live lets you show the people you care about what you’re seeing in real time- whether you’re visiting a new place, cooking your favourite recipe, or just want to share some thoughts…No matter where you are, Live lets you bring your friends and family right next to you to experience what’s happening together.”
Read more here: http://newsroom.fb.com/news/2015/12/introducing-live-video-and-collages/
