Remember Rooms (a topic based discussions app), Slingshot (the ephemeral messaging app) or Riff (the collaborative video platform)? Maybe, maybe not. They are all standalone apps that Facebook launched over the past couple of years. Well, they “were” in fact, because Facebook has decided to shut down its Creative Labs division, and all the apps that came out of it.
Also Read: Facebook Is Starting To Ask You What You Like To See
Although suddenly, the move is not that surprising after all. Creative Labs was always meant as a two-year experiment to build standalone mobile app experiences around the Facebook platform.
If you like our stories, there is an easy way to stay updated:
Follow @wersm
A Facebook spokesperson explained to CNET:
[quote]Since their launches, we’ve incorporated elements of Slingshot, Riff and Rooms into the Facebook for iOS and Android apps. We haven’t updated these apps in some time and we’ve decided to officially end support by removing them from the App Store and Google Play.[/quote]
And this is in fact what has happened. Recently, we’ve been telling you all about how Facebook was seen testing ephemeral messages on Messenger, while video has come a long way on both Facebook and its Messenger app.
Creative Labs was a division born from the will of experimenting more around what people want and like to do online. The end of it doesn’t mean that Facebook will settle for what it is today, but maybe more that the company is looking to streamline its efforts, and focus on bringing more new features to its main apps.
If you like our stories, there is an easy way to stay updated:
Follow @wersm
Featured image: Fast Company
[wysija_form id=”5″]
More from Facebook
How To Get Started With Facebook Collaborative Ads
In this tutorial we look at Facebook Collaborative Ads, what they are, how they work, and how you can get …
Facebook Is Testing A New Layout For The Stories Composer
As part of its effort to give Stories a push, Facebook is testing a layout for the Stories composer that makes …
Eventbrite Partners With Facebook To Power New Ticketing Functionality For Facebook Events
Eventbrite and Facebook announced the launch of a new "Ticketing on Facebook" product that brings ticketing functionality to Facebook Events. …
