Facebook is in the process of developing a new messaging app known as Threads in an apparent attempt to take on rival Snapchat, the Verge reports.
Designed to work alongside Instagram, Threads will not only allow users to communicate with their “close friends” but encourages them to “share their location, speed, and battery life” as well.
Users will also be able to send text and video messages edited with Instagram suite of creative tools.
Currently being tested at Facebook, the app can even be adjusted to automatically share user updates.
“Opt in to automatic sharing, and Threads will regularly update your status, giving your friends a real-time view of information about your location, speed, and more,” the Verge notes. “At the moment, Threads does not display your real-time location—instead, it might say something like a friend is ‘on the move.'”
The appearance of Threads is also said to be similar to that of the messaging feature already available within Instagram.
“Messages from your friends appear in a central feed, with a green dot indicating which of your friends are currently active,” the Verge adds. “If your friend has posted a story recently, you can view that from inside Threads as well.”
While it still remains unclear when and if the app will even be released, Threads aligns with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s vision of wanting to make private messaging central to his company.
Facebook attempted to create a similar app in 2017 known as Direct, but in the end, shelved the project.
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H/T The Verge