In recent weeks Facebook has been making some significant changes. Your Messenger app looks different, the Pages app has changed so much it’s now called Business Suite and of course, the NEW (but is it really improved?) Facebook design/interface, which is having many folks a-grumbling. And that’s putting it mildly.
But rather than focus on the negative, let’s mention a few FUN things that Facebook is doing and just in time for the holidays. And we have a lot of fun at Halloween so let’s start there!
Messenger Artwork and AR Experiences
Messenger is rolling out a collection of exciting new artwork and AR experiences to bring a little extra virtual fun to friends, family, and trick-or-treaters no matter where you’re celebrating this year.
Dr. Madhaus’s Halloween Mansion
And, for the first time ever, Facebook is bringing their own haunted house to life (virtually of course), with special artwork and effects made just for Messenger. Each week throughout the month of October you can hang out in a different themed room of “Dr. Madhaus’s Halloween Mansion” with their animated 360 degree backgrounds and AR effects found in the Messenger camera, on video calls and in Messenger Rooms. Whether you decide to become the headless waiter in the ballroom or prefer to hang out in the laboratory with mad scientists, you’ll be able to virtually celebrate Halloween with any of your friends and family without worrying about finding a costume, doing your own makeup, or even decorating your home.
To use any of the Halloween artwork and effects simply open the Messenger app and start a video call, create a room, or take photos using the Messenger camera, and tap each of the features at the bottom of your screen. Make sure to check back regularly throughout October to see new Halloween artwork!
Enhancements for Facebook’s Portal
With people less likely to travel and looking for alternative ways to spend time together, the holidays are bound to look different this year. Portal from Facebook lets you feel like you’re there with friends and family, even when you’re physically apart, making it easy to create new traditions and memories. And now, they’re adding the ability to use Netflix and Zoom and adding new titles in their Story Time library.
Portal TV already offers a range of video streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, Showtime and Sling TV but now you can enjoy all your favorite shows and movies on Netflix with Portal TV! Of course, a Netflix streaming subscription is required.
For more information on Portal TV, please visit httpss://portal.facebook.com/products/portal-tv/
And to make things even easier, Facebook is introducing a new remote that features one-touch buttons for Prime Video, Facebook Watch and Netflix so it’s easy to open your favorite entertainment apps. The remote will begin shipping with Portal TV immediately and will be in stores in the coming weeks.
Zoom on Portal
With everything that has happened this year, 2020 might very well be remembered as the year of Zoom. Zoom this, Zoom that. And yes, Zoom fatigue is a real thing…right now. But after all of this is over, Zoom may be the place families gather when distance is an obstacle!
So, Facebook has added Zoom on Portal to help you get more out of life. Of course, sometimes that involves work. With Portal as a dedicated screen for your video calls, it’s easier to be present with your coworkers and frees up your laptop to take notes or multitask.
Zoom on Portal is now available on Portal Mini, Portal and Portal+ in all regions where Portal is sold.
Expansion of Story Time Library
And lastly, Facebook is expanding the Story Time library with a collection of stories that reflect and celebrate the diverse families that use Portal, including four Dr. Suess classics! Whether you’re sharing a bedtime story with grandparents, catching up with friends, or collaborating with coworkers, Portal helps you feel more connected to the important people in your life — and this holiday season is the perfect time to create some new memories with Portal. Learn more at portal.facebook.com.
And while there are certainly issues surrounding Facebook these days, as well as other social platforms, there is also the GOOD that Facebook provides. Yes, you’ll have to buy the Portal but as for the services, and the fun those services bring, those are free. Take advantage of those and look at the positives they bring.