Snap: Has the Company Provided a Glimpse of the Future of Software?
August 14, 2020
A brief write-up at MakeUseOf alerts us to a novel approach to applications: “Snap Minis Are Bite-Sized Apps You Use in Snapchat.” Writer Dave Parrack tells us:
“These are miniature apps created by third-party developers that you can use in Snapchat without ever leaving the [Snapchat] app. Which could make Snapchat a solid choice for more than just teenagers. … The apps are all built directly into Snapchat using HTML5. This means you don’t have to leave the comfort of Snapchat to use them, they’re guaranteed to work for all users on all devices, and they don’t even need installing.”
Navigate to the post for details on how to use this feature in Snapchat, what Snap Minis are currently available, and which are in the works. Personally, we are more interested in the tactic itself. Parrack notes:
“This is part of a major effort by Snapchat to encourage developers to give users more to do inside Snapchat. Which should boost levels of engagement. The developers also gain access to millions of users who may then be tempted to install their full-featured apps. Making it a win-win for both parties. Snap clearly wants to make Snapchat a ubiquitous app you cannot afford not to have installed on your phone. Even if you aren’t interested in seeing what you would look like as a pug.”
Will Snapchat succeed in achieving ubiquity? Perhaps. Either way, the app-within-an-app concept offers new angles for platforms and developers alike.
Cynthia Murrell, August 14, 2020
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