Facebook's latest test lets Stories users cross-post to Instagram

Cross-posting with Instagram used to be a one-way street. Instagram users were able to share their Stories to Facebook, but not the other way around. Now, the company is working on a new tool for Facebook Stories users to cross-post to Instagram Stories. App researcher Jane Manchun Wong first discovered the "Share Story to Instagram" toggle within the Story Privacy settings. If you switch this feature on, a "Share to Story" button will appear on your post.

Facebook confirmed that it is testing the feature now. It isn't clear when it will be widely released or if it will allow both apps to sync a Story's view so you can avoid watching the same cross-posted Story twice. But we will let you know for any updates.

Source: Engadget

Facebook, Twitter will not be attending SXSW due to coronavirus concerns

Social media companies Facebook and Twitter have announced that they will be pulling out of the upcoming South by Southwest (SXSW). Both companies cited concerns regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. 

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Facebook simplifies Messenger, removes Discover tab

Facebook is taking cues from its app WhatsApp by simplifying the Messenger app. It now prioritizes messages and stories. The Discovery tab, which was full of chatbots, has been taken out. These chatbots were used by companies to message users, make them play games, or even encourage them to buy products. But now, Facebook is shifting its focus to speed, simplicity, and performance of the messaging service.

Messenger now has two tabs: Messages and People. The second shows users' stories in tiles. Chatbots can still be used by companies when you need to get in touch with them, but they're just not prominently seen now. The redesign will be rolling out globally, and it should be hitting your device soon.

Source: TechCrunch

Facebook cancels F8 conference citing coronavirus concerns

Photo by Ian Kennedy

Facebook won't be pushing through with its biggest event of the year over concerns about the novel coronavirus (or COVID-19) outbreak. The F8 developer, which is a mostly-annual conference, was scheduled to take place on May 5 and 6 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. The highly anticipated Facebook event attracted over 5,000 developers, entrepreneurs, and creators from around the world last year. Facebook's decision mirrors the cancellation of this year's Mobile World Congress due to COVID-19.

Konstantinos Papamiltiadis, Facebook's director of developer platforms and programs, said in a statement, "This was a tough call to make—F8 is an incredibly important event for Facebook and it's one of our favourite ways to celebrate all of you from around the world—but we need to prioritize the health and safety of our developer partners, employees, and everyone who helps put F8 on."

Source: CNET