Facebook acquires Giphy, reportedly for US$400 million

Facebook has acquired GIF-sharing service Giphy and plans to make it part of the Instagram team. Facebook didn't reveal how much it paid for to buy Giphy, but Axios reports that it's priced at around US$400 million. Giphy is expected to keep its branding, but it'll be primarily integrated into Instagram. GIFs are prevalent and used heavily in Instagram Stories, so having more access to a GIF-sharing service could work in Facebook's favour. We might expect to see it more integrated into other Facebook services as well.

Source: Engadget

WhatsApp tests feature that suggest users use Messenger Rooms for video calls with many participants

As you may or may not know, WhatsApp video calls can now support up to eight people in one call. But if you want a lot more people, parent company Facebook has its solution: giving WhatsApp users the option to use Messenger Rooms, which supports up to 50 people in one call. WABetaInfo spotted the feature in the latest version of the WhatsApp Web Client after having found something similar in the beta version of the Android app, which strongly suggests Facebook is working on this integration.

The shortcut shows up in the paper clip menu as well as on the main menu of the web client. After clicking on it, it'll let you know that you will be redirected to Messenger Rooms. The app does also warn you that Messenger calls aren't end-to-end encrypted like WhatsApp calls. According to The Next Web, the feature doesn't work yet, but if you're looking to host bigger WhatsApp group calls, this might be a good addition for you—as long as you're okay with the lack of encryption.

Facebook rolls out its redesigned desktop site worldwide

Image courtesy of Facebook

Maybe you've been waiting for a dark mode option to make its way to Facebook's desktop site. Well, your wait is over. Facebook has officially rolled out its new version to the majority of users around the world. Facebook said in a blog post that the new web experience is "faster, easier to use, and gives your eyes a break with dark mode." The overhaul is a significant one with plenty of empty space on the left and right rails, larger icons, the menu bar makes it easier to navigate to different parts of the app, and less clutter. 

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Justin and Hailey Bieber now have a reality show on Facebook Watch

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If you were curious about the life of celebrity couple Justin and Hailey Bieber, then their new show on Facebook Watch might be something you'll want to check out. The Biebers on Watch premiered on Monday, May 4, at 9 a.m. PT exclusively on Facebook's platform. It's a 12-episode series that will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with Facebook Live session on Fridays. The couple will bring fans into their home and their married life through conversations and hangouts with friends and family. The show is shot using GoPro cameras positioned around the Biebers' home near Toronto as well as with some segments shot by the couple.

With Justin and Hailey both having big social media followings, it might draw more people to check out Facebook Watch and its offerings on the platform. The Biebers on Watch comes a few months after Justin's original YouTube docuseries Justin Bieber: Seasons, which focused on his first new album in over four years called Changes. It set the record of most-watched YouTube original in the first week of release. Facebook might be hoping to draw an audience with this new show.

Source: Variety