It is no secret there’s a serious rivalry between Snapchat and Facebook, and today we have another example. Facebook today announced a closed beta for its augmented reality platform while Snapchat revealed new filters that insert objects and text into your phone’s view of the world — making immediately available for all users of the social media platform some of the cool AR features promised by Facebook.
A how-to page outlines how the new feature works:
Add captions, color, and even Bitmoji to the world around you with World Lenses ? Using them is super easy — and super fun!
How to use the World Lenses:
- Open Snapchat to the camera screen.
- Use the rear-facing camera — tap the ? button in the top right of the screen if you’re in selfie mode!
- Tap on any surface?
- A selection of different Lenses should appear at the bottom of the screen. Just swipe over to the World Lens you want to use!
- Tap it to switch between different options (like different captions or Bitmoji poses). You can also drag it to move it around or pinch your fingers in and out to change its size!
Note: At the moment, Text Lenses are only available in a few specific places. They should be expanding other other areas soon, though! ?
This looks like a major step forward for Snapchat’s addictive filters that up to now were focused on changing the way your face looks. These new World Lenses, however, can make photos and videos of the environment more fun.
