In case you haven’t used Snapchat in a while, the app has been experimenting with visual search, called “scanning,” since 2019. The feature allows Snapchat users to do different things: From identifying plants and music to solving math problems, or scanning food and wine labels with the app’s camera.
What’s new for Snapchat
But until now, much of this functionality was easily overlooked, requiring a few extra touches to access. With the new app update that just came out, “scan” is visible as long as the camera is open. And therefore, much more accessible as well as irresistible.
The app is implementing the changes it announced in May during its Partner Summit event. And among the new functions of the camera we have lPossibility of buying outfits by pointing the camera at clothing items.
Also, the camera will have more shortcuts that will suggest a combination of augmented reality glasses and music depending on the environment. For example, if you point the camera at your pet, it will suggest augmented reality glasses designed for dogs and music to accompany your clip.
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Winning over TikTok fans
Snap has also integrated scanning capability into its latest augmented reality glasses., which can alson suggest lenses based on your surroundings -Unlike the previous versions of the glasses, the most recent ones are not for sale yet.
Visual search too help Snap compete for creative talent with rivals like TikTok and Instagram (which is also working on its own visual search feature). The company pointed to The Verge site who is working on implementing camera shortcuts to Spotlight to make it easier for people to ‘riff’ clips from other users.
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