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
You might also like
More from Facebook
Facebook To Begin Testing Topic Exclusion Controls For Advertisers
Facebook is to begin testing a new brand safety options, including new Facebook Ads topic exclusion controls for a small …
Facebook Oversight Board Publishes Decisions On First Cases
Back in December, Facebook's independent Oversight Board took on its first cases. Its decisions on these cases are now published.
Facebook Continues To Lose Users In The US And Canada
Facebook’s daily active users decline for a second quarter in the United States and Canada, caused by user fatigue and …
Facebook Launches Facebook News Portal In The UK
Facebook is starting to roll out Facebook News in the UK, a destination in its app featuring curated news from …
Facebook Revamps Access Your Information On iOS And Android
Facebook has announced a revamped version of its Access Your Information tool, making it easier for users to find and …
Facebook Bans Ads Promoting Weapon Accessories Ahead Of Inauguration Day
Facebook has announced a ban, on its platforms, of ads promoting weapon accessories and protective equipment - at least through …
Facebook Bans Donald Trump Indefinitely From Its Platforms
Following the recent events in Washington DC, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced an indefinite ban on Donald Trump from …
New Facebook Pages Come Without A Like Button
Facebook is rolling out a new design for Facebook Pages. It comes with new features, but without a Like button.
New Year’s Eve 2020 Sets New Records For Use Of Facebook Apps
Facebook was expecting a traffic spike on its apps over New Year's Eve, but this year broke all previous records …