Facebook Live to bring chat and joint video streams to users

Facebook is bringing features that used to only be open to public figures to its livestreaming video service. The two new features Facebook Live is testing out with some of its users are the ability to chat privately with a friend during a live video instead of just seeing public comments. But Facebook will allow you to jump to and from the private and public chats while the stream is happening. You can even continue talking after the stream ended via Messenger. Another is being able to have joint live streams with someone. The latter used to only be available to public figures and celebrities but Facebook wants to bring this to all its users. Facebook is testing this out first on mobile in several countries but plans to have a broader rollout of the features “later this summer.”

Source: CNET

Facebook introduces Live Audio, takes on podcasts and the radio

Facebook has been steadily building its Live Video feature but it seems that isn’t the only thing the social network is building in the live broadcasting space. This time, it’s taking on the podcast and radio markets with Live Audio. Facebook launched the feature with a small group of publishers with plans to open up the service to everyone by 2017. Just like Live Video, the service will bring these Live Audio streams into the News Feed. Right now Facebook launched with BBC World Service, book publisher Harper Collins, talk radio broadcaster Leading Britain’s Conversation, and authors Adam Grant and Britt Bennett.

The social giant claims this’ll be a good way for low-connectivity areas to broadcast data-efficient media. And if, for example, signal gets low, hosts can switch to audio for a seamless stream. Facebook sees these working particularly well for a semi-professional stage setup for things such as book readings and interviews with Live service viewer interaction included. If you listen on Android, you’ll be able to use other apps while the audio streams in the background. For iOS, you need to keep the Facebook app open.

Source: Engadget

Facebook to introduce 360-degree live video

It seems like a natural progression for Facebook to bring together two of its biggest projects: live video and virtual reality. The social network announced plans of releasing 360-degree live video feature to its users. This’ll help bring you right into an event. It won’t be available to all users when it’s released but will come to publishers first. Facebook will officially introduce the feature on Tuesday starting with a video from the Mars Desert Research Station facility in Utah thanks to a partnership with National Geographic.

Source: CNET

Facebook might be venturing into e-sports

Facebook is leaving no stone unturned in the online world. According to The Information, Facebook plans to delve deeper into the world of professional gaming. They have partnered with the likes of Activision Blizzard to bring daily content to its Live streaming service. Now, they are supposedly holding “extensive talks” with Super Evil Megacorp, the developer behind mobile e-sport game Vainglory. Facebook reportedly wants them to stream professional matches on its platform. According to Kristian Segerstrale, chief operating officer of Super Evil Megacorp, the deal isn’t set in stone just yet.

The report also claims Facebook is holding talks with Activision as well to stream more e-sport competitions on Facebook’s platform. Facebook has been pushing its Live platform intensively since it launched last year. It makes sense they want to go up against the likes of Twitch and YouTube for a slice of the professional gaming pie.

Source: Engadget