New WhatsApp camera feature similar to Snapchat

WhatsApp’s new features bear striking resemblances from Snapchat’s own set of older features. Image WhatsApp

In a bid to be more competitive in the social media app market, WhatsApp is launching a new feature that bares a striking resemblance to another Snapchat feature.

The new WhatsApp feature will allow users to doodle on photos and videos, as well as insert emoji for added fun, reports The Next Web.

If this is strangely evocative of Snapchat’s capabilities, it’s not entirely that surprising. Other Facebook properties such as Messenger and Instagram have also incorporated features that Snapchat thought of first like “Stories.”

But beyond the similarities is an extra functionality to WhatsApp’s new feature. The update allows greater use of the front-facing camera by lighting up subjects with a pseudo-flash. Low light conditions will trigger the screen brightness and provide additional illumination when capturing a photo.

The update also activates zoom by simply sliding a finger up and down. Double tapping switches between the front and back cameras. Alfred Bayle