Snapchat introduces its mental health-related feature earlier than expected due to COVID-19

Snap Inc. is hoping to somewhat help during this global COVID-19 pandemic by offering its Here For You feature earlier than its intended release. Announced earlier this year to mark Safer Internet Day, Snapchat's Here For You function is designed to direct users to mental health-related resources. In a company blog post released in February, it was supposed to roll out "in the coming months" to "show safety resources from local experts when Snapchatters search for certain topics, including those related to anxiety, depression, stress, grief, suicidal thoughts, and bullying." 

But with the toll that the novel coronavirus has taken on both our physical and mental health, Snap Inc. has opted to release the feature earlier than its intended April release date. So, Snapchat users who search for the terms "coronavirus" and "COVID-19" should surface important and verified information from partners like "the Ad Council, World Health Organization, the CDC, Crisis Text Line, NHS, and other partners who are creating content on anxiety specifically related to coronavirus." According to an email to Mashable, the feature is expected to roll out next week. 

Customize your Bitmoji's avatar with the new 'Mix and Match' feature

It's now easier to customize your Bitmoji to a look that you want with the app's new Mix and Match feature. You can now select each piece of clothing with different styles and colours for tops, bottoms, footwear, outerwear, and even socks. If you find an outfit you like, you can save it to your closet to wear again. You will need the latest version of the app to get the feature. It's also available through Snapchat.

Once you download or update the app, you can access Mix and Match by tapping on the fashion icon to open the Avatar Designer. The bottom navigation will show new icons for each clothing item. On Snapchat, the feature is accessible through your profile. Head to the Bitmoji option and select Change Outfit. The app is available on both iOS and Android.

Source: MobileSyrup

Spotify finally lets you share music on Snapchat

Long since its competition (like Instagram) got the feature, Spotify finally lets you share the music you listen to directly to Snapchat. If you have Snapchat and Spotify in the same device, Snapchat will now be an option you'll see in Spotify's share menu. The app will automatically create a snap with the song info and album art. Just like with Instagram, you can send this to individual Snapchat friends or have it posted on your story. You can share songs, albums, playlists, or podcasts. Now, if you get a Spotify share on Snapchat, you can swipe up to start listening to the song sent to you.

Source: The Verge

Snap wants to integrate your Bitmoji into games

Snap wants to bring your Bitmoji into the games you play. It launched a new Bitmoji for Games SDK that will let developers do just that. The SDK will support games built in Unity, the Unreal Engine, and Snap’s own in-house PlayCanvas engine. The company selected developers who will gain free access to the SDK. It’ll work by using the Snapchat app to scan an in-game code that links the game to your Snapchat account. The plan is to bring this feature to games on the PC, consoles, as well as mobile.

Source: The Verge