Facebook's biggest announcements at F8 2019

Facebook is getting major updates this year.

Earlier this week, Facebook made a slew of announcements at the annual developer conference concerning nearly all its social media platforms, including Messenger, Instagram, and, of course, Facebook.

Here are the biggest product announcements from F8: 

We just announced a fresh, new design for Facebook that makes communities as central as friends. FB5 is simpler, faster, more immersive and makes it easier to find what you're looking for and get to your most-used features. #f82019 pic.twitter.com/YWIGEnpO4M — Facebook (@facebook) 30 April 2019

Facebook platform redesign

Instead of the NewsFeed being the main focus of Facebook, the web and mobile platforms will be redesigned around groups and events. There will be a prominent groups tab and group-specific feeds.

The mobile platform will be updated soon for iOS and Android, if it hasn't been already, and the desktop platform will see a new interface over the next couple of months.

Instagram new features and repositioning

In addition to redesigning the platform's UI, the company announced that Instagram will make its publication like counts less prominent, so that users focus on their content rather than popularity. In fact, the company is currently testing the complete removal of public like counts.

Additionally, Stories has been revamped with an updated camera interface and a new "Create Mode" which allows users to create stories without starting from a photo or video. Users can instead make a poll or countdown the focus of their publication. 

Messenger's focus on 'close friends'

Soon, users will have access to a new "watch together" feature that will let Facebook users watch videos together even if they are in different locations. You'll also be able to set status messages.

A desktop app for Windows and iOS will also launch this year, while the mobile app will be lighter in terms of data. 

New Oculus VR headsets

Preorders have officially opened for two new Oculus-branded VR headsets: Quest and Rift S. The former is a standalone console, while the latter is an upgraded Rift.

Shipping will begin on May 21. Both headsets cost US$399 (RM1,650). – AFP Relaxnews