Facebook Messenger has a newer, faster camera with art and special effects

Facebook really, really wants to do all it can to take on Snapchat. Following a myriad of feature introductions to Instagram that were supposed to make it more similar to Snapchat, the time has come for Messenger to enjoy some of that action too. Well, it's not the first time something Snapchat-like came to Messenger, but this Facebook app is still less Snapchatified than Instagram.

That might not be for long. In the coming days, whether you use Messenger on Android or iOS, you'll see a revamped camera experience. For starters, the camera button will be placed in the center of the screen, and you'll see it when you're in a conversation or if you've just opened the app. So it's basically always one tap away.

Speaking of which, one tap takes a picture, while long-pressing the button will start recording video. Facebook is also bringing art and special effects to the experience, including "3D masks", which are easy to apply filters for your full screen photos. So yes, like Snapchat. Facebook says "you can take a selfie and transform into a reindeer or play with falling snow" among other things.

But what about stickers? Well, there are thousands of those to choose from too, alongside frames, masks, and effects. Unlike some competitors, Facebook is boasting that it's worked with "artists and influencers all over the world" to come up with these.

Finally, your text messages can become more fun too. There's a new palette icon by the shutter which will take you to a blank canvas where you can add art stickers to your text.

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