Facebook is embracing the maxim "if you can't beat them, join them" with some new Snapchat-esque features to keep its younger users happy; the Messenger app has a revamped camera with augmented reality (AR) selfie extras including 3D masks, arty overlays, stickers and other filters. In time for the holidays, these selfie masks include reindeer, candy cane hats and snowy special effects.
Facebook already ran a similar feature around Halloween when it added Live Masks to its streaming video; iOS users could add witch, pumpkin and skull masks to their live broadcasts. This was on the back of acquiring face-swapping app MSQRD so the masks were really only a matter of time, especially since Zuckerberg hinted at the addition of “even more visual messaging tools over the next few months” following Facebook’s quarterly results announcement. This said, Messenger promises not to mess with the existing features for those using it mostly for text messaging.
