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IF YOU HAVE a successful idea, it’s likely that it will be copied sooner or later. Usually in the case of apps, this involves numerous other developers copying the idea in the hope that they can capitalise upon its success.
In the case of Snapchat, quite a number of major rivals have released their own versions in recent weeks. Since it has such a hold on younger audiences, it’s no surprise that many want to get in on the action too. Here are some of the most noticeable examples out there.
Facebook
Its attempt: Slingshot
Probably the most high-profile example – especially since its previous attempt Poke failed pretty badly – Slingshot separated itself from similar attempts by only allowing you to view a photo by sending one back.
The idea was this would encourage users to send more photos and become a popular service but for now, it’s difficult to tell how successful it’s been so far.
Instagram
Its attempt: Bolt
Granted, Instagram is owned by Facebook, but since it operates as a separate entity, its inclusion here is warranted. Late last month, it launched its own private messaging service called Bolt which lets you send one-tap photos and videos.
It’s only been released in a few countries so far and like Slingshot, it’s far too early to tell whether it will be a success or a dud.
Microsoft
Its attempt: WindUp
Launching it today in the US, WindUp is Microsoft’s attempt to let users share photos and videos as well as audio snippets and text. You can set a time limit for your friends to view the message before it expires forever, or stick to a traditional view limit.
To be fair, Windows Phone is the only place where Snapchat doesn’t have an app released – 6snap is the closest thing users have to one – so Microsoft is really serving an audience that may be reluctant to trust third-party apps.
Although the company was said to be in talks with Snapchat recently about bringing a version to Windows Phone so who knows what role Windup will play if it happens.
Yo
Its attempt: MIRAGE
The makers of the app that is famous for only saying Yo created its own photo-sharing app recently. Mirage takes a split screen approach, the top for photos and the bottom for contacts, the interface is designed to be simple and unobtrusive, much like its cousin Yo.
Line
Its attempt: Line
The only example here that didn’t release a standalone app, the instant messaging app, which is most popular in Asia, quietly updated its iOS and Android app to allow self-destructing photos and messages.
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Well I for one would like to congratulate the North Koreans on this amazing achievement.
Great bunch of lads
And to it all In less than a day.
An amazing achievement.
makes the moon landing,the Hubble telescope and the ISS look a little silly.
All hail the dear leader.
They all pale in comparison.
The leader is good. The leader is great. We surrender our will as of this date.
Nana
nana
nana
nana
nana
nana
nana
nana
LEADER!!
Brilliant, any journalist that could read that story and not realise it was a joke after the point where they said they travelled at night to the sun… Should really take a look at the job they are doing
I have to say – this gave me a massive belly laugh….
Everyone should follow Waterford Whispers News, it’s guaranteed to make you burst out laughing a few times a day!! Utterly hilarious!!
Laughing at this from the dark side of the earth at the moment. Good one lads.
I was wondering who to blame for all this horrible weather. Spacecraft travelling to the sun has blocked out all the rays , thereby allowing copious amounts of rain to drown us . Hank you , Kim daft Jung
Well done to Colm Williamson, he has been doing a great job with WWN, there’s a very funny story on the facebook page pretty much every day. Fair play!
Funny stories at times on the site, agreed. But you only comment because it’s Waterford related. Weirdo.
Onwards comrades, there is nothing our great nation can’t achieve with the dear leader leading us
Everyone was talking about this lad night here in Calgary and I remember reading it on the Waterford whispers Facebook page, I had to question myself even will all the other stuff they post was this actually legit?? :-) I wouldn’t be surprised if the North Koreans actually believed that they attempted it! Gas
Nice swan Colm as always
It’s on the Sun, it must be true!
If that webshite is what passes for satire nowadays, then Mrs Brown’s boys must be the new curb your enthusiasm
Hi Dan, this is the Internet. Shut up and move on. Thank you…
To be fair, Niall; Dan is entitled to his opinion and poor sense of humour.
The hottest story so far today :)
before I looked at the bank draft which had said $7601 , I have faith that my cousin woz truly taking home money part-time from there labtop. . there aunt has been doing this 4 less than twenty months and a short time ago took care of the morgage on their apartment and got Jaguar E-type . pop over here,,,,,,,,, http://gkurl.us/c52op
Pop over into death
A-hole troll!
Please tell me your on the next planned sun mission?
Try next door
ZOMFG!!! THAT’S AMAZING!
I must sign up immediately!!
Where do i send you my bank details!!!!!!
Site seems to be down.
Colm Williamson is the funniest blackguarder in the country.
Are they going up at night?
Still, it’s no more preposterous than the claims of a certain country to have put, not just a man but several men on the moon! Will wonders ever cease?
Sounds legit where can I get a Labtop ?
Don’t worry guys. They went at night time.
Bravo Mr.Williamson et al. Bravo.
Loved the Paul Williams story too a few weeks back.
What a load of ill dung from the north Koreans
have your say