Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel talked about the app's latest developments in a recent interview with The Verge. He discussed texting the "Snapchat way," as well as the integration of a video call feature into the app.
The app now features texting within the Snapchat network, using messages that automatically disappear as soon as the user exits the conversation. Users can also video call their friends through the app within a minute's notice. The rationale behind this, Spiegel explained to The Verge, is that video calls should feel special and serendipitous, like an ephemeral encounter.
The new texting feature on Snapchat was developed about a year ago. Spiegel stressed that this feature will also be guided by the company's default delete principle, as in all interactions done within their network.
"Well, they're the ones where we're going back and forth and we're both paying attention," Spiegel said during an interview with The Verge.
Within the Snapchat network, a user is indicated as online when he or she is marked as "Here." When a user is online, a blue bubble will suddenly appear in the screen indicating that his or her friends are also online.
"The accepted notion of an online indicator that every chat service has is really a negative indicator," Spiegel continued. "It means 'my friend is available and doesn't want to talk to you,' versus this idea in Snapchat where 'my friend is here and is giving you their full attention.'"
However, when it comes to video calls, there will be no phone ring or notification that someone is trying to get in touch. There is also no option to ignore that call. The caller's face will suddenly pop up in the user's screen. If other friends want to join the call, they can do so at any minute. Anyone is also free to exit the video call by simply pressing "End."
