Should Facebook Give Up on Camera Apps?

For the past four years, Facebook has desperately tried to stay ahead of the game with new camera apps for its users. Time and time again, they’ve proven to be not so successful.

In a recent article by the Wall Street Journal, Facebook is reportedly rolling out a new camera app specific to its almost 2 billion users. The camera app will run similarly to Snapchat’s format. When users open the app, it will automatically load to a camera setting. One suggested feature is to allow users to live stream through their cameras.

But why?

Well, one reason may be that Facebook users are becoming increasingly passive on Facebook. According to the report, users may check in to the app multiple times a day, but are posting less and less about their personal lives through status updates, photos or videos.

This isn’t the first time that Facebook has attempted to create a camera-like app for its users. In 2012, Facebook released ‘Facebook Camera‘, an app similar to Instagram that allowed users to share photos.

Later that year, it introduced Poke, an app that “poked” users by sending them photos, videos or messages. Extremely similar to Snapchat, “pokes” lasted for 1, 3, 5 or 10 seconds. Needless to say, the app didn’t last long.

In 2014, Facebook accidentally pre-launched Slingshot, yet another attempt to oust Snapchat. Slingshot was meant to promote interaction among its users. Users could send messages to each other of up to 15 seconds.  The catch? Well, in order for the recipient to open another user’s message, he or she would be required to respond with an image or video of their own to unlock the message. Users didn’t need a Facebook account to actually use the app. Facebook got rid of the app sometime in 2015.

Facebook’s last video attempt came in 2015 with Riff, an app that let users add their own video on top of friends’ original videos. There was no limit to the amount of videos that could be tacked onto an existing video, making the video entries almost endless.

You’d think that after four attempts, Facebook would call it quits. But who knows? Maybe fifth time’s a charm.

We at Key West Video believe in staying up to date with new social media trends, video production practises and innovative technology. Visit our website and contact us for a quote today!

 

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The post Should Facebook Give Up on Camera Apps? appeared first on Corporate Video Blog.

Should Facebook Give Up on Camera Apps?

For the past four years, Facebook has desperately tried to stay ahead of the game with new camera apps for its users. Time and time again, they’ve proven to be not so successful.

In a recent article by the Wall Street Journal, Facebook is reportedly rolling out a new camera app specific to its almost 2 billion users. The camera app will run similarly to Snapchat’s format. When users open the app, it will automatically load to a camera setting. One suggested feature is to allow users to live stream through their cameras.

But why?

Well, one reason may be that Facebook users are becoming increasingly passive on Facebook. According to the report, users may check in to the app multiple times a day, but are posting less and less about their personal lives through status updates, photos or videos.

This isn’t the first time that Facebook has attempted to create a camera-like app for its users. In 2012, Facebook released ‘Facebook Camera‘, an app similar to Instagram that allowed users to share photos.

Later that year, it introduced Poke, an app that “poked” users by sending them photos, videos or messages. Extremely similar to Snapchat, “pokes” lasted for 1, 3, 5 or 10 seconds. Needless to say, the app didn’t last long.

In 2014, Facebook accidentally pre-launched Slingshot, yet another attempt to oust Snapchat. Slingshot was meant to promote interaction among its users. Users could send messages to each other of up to 15 seconds.  The catch? Well, in order for the recipient to open another user’s message, he or she would be required to respond with an image or video of their own to unlock the message. Users didn’t need a Facebook account to actually use the app. Facebook got rid of the app sometime in 2015.

Facebook’s last video attempt came in 2015 with Riff, an app that let users add their own video on top of friends’ original videos. There was no limit to the amount of videos that could be tacked onto an existing video, making the video entries almost endless.

You’d think that after four attempts, Facebook would call it quits. But who knows? Maybe fifth time’s a charm.

We at Key West Video believe in staying up to date with new social media trends, video production practises and innovative technology. Visit our website and contact us for a quote today!

 

Like this post? Comment or Share Below!

The post Should Facebook Give Up on Camera Apps? appeared first on Corporate Video Blog.

How to Weather the Storm: Preparing for Winter Shoots

As House of Stark so adequately puts it, winter is coming. So be prepared.

It’s no secret that #Canada has what some might call “extreme” cold #winter #temperatures. We, the North, (see what we did there?) have been the butt of the world’s winter jokes for decades. #Snowstorms. Moose. Maple Syrup. Beavers. And Tim Horton’s. Not to mention Ontario’s crippling ice storm two years back.  These are, what we’ve been told, make up our Canadian identity. So it would come naturally that we would have adjusted by now, right?

Many Canadians opt for weathering the storms – literally. We can’t count how many times we’ve seen individuals outside in shorts during below zero #weather. Though admirable, it does lead one to wonder: have we, as a nation, truly evolved to become immune to the #cold? Or are we just old-fashioned crazy?

For Canadian media professionals, our #weather forces us to take extra precautions to ensure our #equipment stays safe. Unlike our mutant body temperatures that might keep us hot-blooded during the winter season, our equipment is simply not as sturdy.

Whether you’re on-air talent, camera-operator or production assistant, here are some things to keep in mind while you happily trudge through the snow for the next 6 months.

Pay attention to your camera specificities.

Most camera manufacturers have some sort of specification for the lowest operable temperatures. This is essential when filming in remote areas with below freezing weather. Of course, depending on the type of camera you own, operability may vary.

Another reason why camera model matters is because modern day cameras don’t need much internal lubrication as older models.

Keeping cameras warm is essential for outdoor winter-weather shoots. Though digital cameras are efficient and may generate less heat than older cameras, it’s imperative to keep them warm in a pocket or camera bag outside of the ambient temperature. This is not to say that your camera should be shoved into an overcoat with high body heat; a quick transition from hot to cold could cause condensation in the lens. Instead, try to keep your camera a moderate temperature and let it gradually adjust to its surroundings before shooting. Some recommend the plastic bag method.

The same can be applied to your SD card. It’s a well known fact that electronics and moisture of any sort don’t go very well. You wouldn’t want to lose precious footage from an SD card ruined by condensation.

One of the third most important things to take note of is your battery supply. A 10 degree drop in weather can half your battery life. Make sure to pack extras.

Be mindful when opening plastics. In cold weather, plastic tends to harden, making it difficult to open. Battery compartments are especially vulnerable and prone to accidental damage.

Some photographers note that hand warmers are an ideal way to keep your equipment safe. Since they are meant to adjust to your body’s natural hand temperature, they are just warm enough to keep batteries intact.

What are some other ways to protect your camera gear in the winter? Comment below!

 

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