You may have had a fleeting glance at Facebook's answer to ephemeral messaging app Snapchat today, June 9, if you visited the iTunes store before "Slingshot" was slung back into development.
Slingshot, likely to serve as another of Facebook's standalone app, was rolled out in a limited number of markets before it was shelved and explained as a misfire by a Facebook representative who reportedly shared clarification on the matter with The Verge.
"Earlier today, we accidentally released a version of Slingshot, a new app we're working on. With Slingshot, you'll be able to share everyday moments with lots of people at once. It'll be ready soon and we're excited for you to try it out," the Facebook representative told The Verge.
Unlike Slingshot's proposed premise of relaying fleeting video and text messages like Snapchat, curious consumers were able to secure images and descriptions of the app before it was removed from the iTunes store.
Slingshot's differentiating element from Snapchat was the requirement of message recipients to send their own "sling" before they could view one they received. Slingshot reportedly featured the ability for the sling recipient to respond to messages at their convenience, unlike Snapchat which equips sending parties with the ability to place a timer on the availability of the content they transmit.
Like Snapchat, Slingshot allows users to annotate photos or videos and draw over them before sending them out.
Facebook's attempt to one up teenage darling Snapchat comes after the smaller company refused to accept the social media company's $3 billion buyout in November 2013. Snapchat was rumored to have received offers from Google and Chinese investment firm Tencent Holdings.
There's no word on when Slingshot will return to the iTunes market and an absence of news on the Android counterpart. The fact that the app only leaked to the iTunes store could hint a delay for Android devices, or a refinement of the Android version may have caused Facebook to push back the released date of the app.
The following is a description of Slingshot app, as per Yahoo, which was posted in the iTunes store before the app was removed:
- Stay in touch: Capture photos and videos of moments you want to share with friends
- Go shot for shot: To unlock new shots, first you have to sling something back
- Enjoy it while it lasts: Once you swipe a shot away, it'll no longer be viewable
- Send a quick reply: After unlocking a shot, respond with your reaction
- Get creative: Express yourself with captions and drawings
- Look when you want: View unlocked shots later if you're busy
