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Date: April 03, 2024

This year's F8 developer conference is more of an image builder stage for Facebook

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg kicked off Facebook F8 2019 yesterday and announced the opening keynotes for its annual conference intended for developers and entrepreneurs. 

Mark Zuckerberg indicated that “the future is private," focusing largely on the privacy of the user during his speech at the Facebook Developers Conference. However, the statement was in contrast to Facebook's business model that encourages people to share more about themselves.

The announcements on Facebook F8 included the Oculus Quest, a VR-based headset; the introduction of FB5, a redesign within the Facebook app; and an easier shopping feature on Instagram, Facebook messenger new version and the most interesting part, Facebook Dating.

Announcements from Facebook F8 Developer Conference 2019

Have a look at the major highlights of the Facebook F8 Developers Conference 2019.

1. Keynotes on Facebook Dating

Facebook dating was initially introduced in 2018. In announcements at Facebook's F8 developer conference, Facebook dating was in the spotlight. 

• Facebook dating is launching to 14 more countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Vietnam, Laos, Guyana, Suriname, Peru, Uruguay, and the Philippines.
• In the US, Facebook dating will launch in the second half of the year.
• Introduction to the “Secret Crush” feature. In this, you can create a list from your list of friends and pin those to whom you feel more attracted to. 

It seems Facebook wants its share in the dating apps market. Check out all the details on Facebook Dating and how to work on its Secret Crush feature here.

2. Keynotes of Instagram New Updates and Easy Shopping Feature

Facebook has announced that it is making the shopping from Instagram’s influencers a lot easier.

• Instagram users will be able to shop without leaving the app or redirecting it to other websites. It is currently testing a feature that will help in buying the things directly from the app via brands.
• Donations stickers will be provided in the US to make the charity process on Instagram smoother. 
• The new camera design is set to launch in the next couple of weeks that will enable users to have access to effects and interactive stickers, including the Donation Sticker. 
• Instagram will start testing the ‘No like counts’ feature on Instagram in the Canadian region that will hide like counts of the post.

3. Keynotes of Facebook App New Redesign Known as ‘FB5’

The redesign is expected to assist people in expanding their social circles. Mark Zuckerberg is calling the new update on Facebook's design as “FB5.”

• FB will highlight groups and events that will create a distinguished groups tab and a personalized feed. 
• Group communication will pop out while you scroll through other things on Facebook.
• A new feature called Meet new friends will introduce that will connect with strangers who have a common interest. 
• The new update is available on iOS and Android apps, but the new update will take time for the desktop site.

4. Keynotes of Facebook VR headsets, Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift S

Facebook was supposed to launch a VR headset at a previous Facebook F8 developer conference. The new announcements regarding VR headsets came late but with a bonus. FB is ready to roll out two VR headsets, Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift S.

• Pre-orders have started for both headset: Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift S.
• These new VR headsets will replace the external tracking cameras and will feature a better user-friendly inside-out system.
• Oculus Quest and Rift S are both priced at $399.
• The shipping date is set for May 21st across 22 countries.
• The Rift S is an improved upgrade from the Oculus Rift launched in 2016 that adds a complete tracker.

5. Keynotes of Facebook Messenger

Facebook is reshaping Facebook Messenger to keep interactions with friends more interesting. It is planning to make offline hangout sessions easier.

Live from #F8! We just announced the ability to watch videos together in Messenger as well as an all-new Messenger Desktop App! #F82019 pic.twitter.com/tNN05jJthd — Messenger (@messenger) April 30, 2019

• Facebook Messenger interface is getting faster and lighter.
• In iOS, the newer version will come under 30MB that is 20 percent of the current download size. 
• Facebook is also launching the desktop apps for Windows and Mac this year.
• The company is also working to make the user's communications end-to-end encrypted by default.

This year’s F8 Developer Conference will focus on improving Facebook’s image after the case of a Facebook data breach, making it a more secure platform that has the ability to safeguard the data of its users. In 2018, Facebook will have access to more data from users ranging from shopping preferences to dating choices.

Stay tuned for all the latest updates from Facebook's F8 Developers Conference 2019. If you are a developer then you should not miss out on the upcoming Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. Stay updated with similar tech related worldwide conferences by subscribing to MobileAppDaily now.

By Arpit Dubey

Arpit is a dreamer, wanderer, and a tech nerd who loves to jot down tech musings and updates. With a logician mind, he is always chasing sunrises and tech advancements while secretly preparing for the robot uprising.