Facebook today has announced the latest Snapchat-like feature coming to Messenger. Called World Effects, this feature allows users to drop 3D objects using the rear camera and augmented reality, much like augmented reality features in Snapchat.
The World Effects feature is very similar to Snapchat’s rear-facing augmented reality tools. You can overlay a variety of objects and text using the built-in camera. Currently, Facebook says there’s support for a heart, arrow, and robot, while there are bubbles and words that read “love,” ‘bae,” “heart,” and “miss you.” Some of the filters also have accompanying audio and sound effects, which Facebook says makes them perfect for videos.
Here’s how Facebook describes the new feature:
In order to add a World Effect to your image, open the Messenger Camera, scroll through the camera effects and choose an effect to add to your image.
Facebook Messenger’s World Effects feature comes as Snapchat continues to implement augmented reality in various different ways. The company recently brought Bitmoji to life using AR, while it has also opened the platform up to advertisers.
Facebook-owned Instagram has also been experimenting with augmented reality, recently launching Snapchat-style face filters.
Facebook Messenger is available on the App Store for free. World Effects are rolling out now to everyone and Facebook says more filters will come as time progresses. Watch a quick video demonstration of World Effects below:
