Snapchat users rejoice: Using the app’s camera just got a bit smoother.
The company recently an update — version 9.9.0 — that lets iPhone users seamlessly move between the front and rear cameras while they’re recording a snap. Until now, users had only been able to switch between the two cameras for photographs; switching between cameras for video was impossible. In fact, if you were a hardcore video user, you were probably accustomed to physically turning the phone around in your hands to record yourself or your chums.
Switching between the two cameras is now easy as pie. Simply double-tap the screen while recording your videos. Huzzah!
Sure, it’s a small update — TechCrunch noted recently that Snapchat hasn’t even publicized it on the blog or social media — but it’s a practical one, nonetheless.
Snapchat’s whole reason for being is to show friends what you’re doing, as you’re doing it, with the impermanence of snaps also promoting short attention spans. However, the previous inability to quickly switch between the front and rear cameras meant that videos were mostly just restricted to one point of view, which sort of put a damper on the app’s sharing concept. Thanks to this update, videos should become more collaborative and complete.
There’s still more to it, according to iClarified. Login verification now means that users signing into Snapchat on a new device will get an SMS code to verify their identities. This new setting can be turned on in Settings. Users can also take advantage of battery filters. Each time users send a snap, they can now include info on whether their phones are fully charged or perhaps running low on power — which can give friends a heads up in case of unexpected interruptions.
To get your hands on this new update, just head over to the Apple Store.
The company frequently updates its app to provide users with new ways to use its service, as well as to incorporate user feedback to make the user experience more enjoyable. Earlier this year, the company introduced an emoji update and Discover, a new way to find content from major brands like National Geographic and Yahoo News.
