Facebook unveils augmented reality tool for Messenger

Facebook could use more evidence that it brings the world together rather than tearing it apart. This will help drive commerce between buyers and sellers despite language barriers. For example, if a user is receiving messages of a business in another language, the Messenger’s M bot will translate them to the user’s default language.

Reportedly, Facebook is launching a new toolkit for software developers to make augmented reality features.

Facebook views this as an extension of “visual messaging” that also includes emojis, of which it said people share nearly 1.7 billion a day, and animated GIFs, 18 billion of which were shared past year in Messenger.

The use of AR to make a much more compelling shopping experience is just the icing on the cake. Other countries and languages may be supported soon. Asus, Nike and Kia features let users get closers looks at their respective new products, while Sephora is bringing virtual makeup try-ons to the platform. But in 2016, Facebook got serious about translation, switching from Microsoft Bing’s technology to its own stack.

M Translations will initially be capable of English to Spanish translation and vice versa, in Marketplace conversations taking place in the US.

David Marcus’ Messenger updates struck an odd tone in comparison with the rest of F8.

Businesses can now build augmented reality experiences directly into Messenger.

A lot of people weren’t sure when Facebook Inc. This will enable them to share images or video in their timeline, group or even one-to-one conversations; or simply save to their camera roll. It allows AR effects and filters specific to a brand so they can enjoy a more targeted experience.

The feature, which is now in closed beta, appears to be more of an e-commerce play rather than a way to interact with friends.

Messenger has become a tool for businesses to connect with customers, and the ability to converse with customers in a variety of languages could help bump up advertising. Accordingly, during an interaction with a person regarding your business, you can ask them to activate the camera. It’s now only available on Android, and has a much higher user rating than the regular version of Messenger. This week, Facebook announced its first step towards doing that by giving Messenger a major design overhaul. The sources also tipped some of the features these smart speakers will allegedly offer.