Never mind that Facebook already answered Snapchat with Slingshot, it’s let Instagram launch Bolt which is a photo and video messaging app competing in the same space. Just like the other two applications, the new one allows users to share quick and temporary images or clips without breaking a sweat.
As soon as Bolt is loaded, the camera starts up and contacts who’ve also downloaded the app are displayed along the bottom of the screen. It’s a good thing Instagram did not go crazy with some features like Facebook did with Slingshot which only lets a user see content received if he or she shoots something back at the sender.
We mean, talk about forcing friends and family to send you photos just because you want to them to appraise your selfies and they’re too polite to tell you to bugger off. As for Bolt, you click it open, snap a photograph or video and tap to beam it to a person on your list. Once the receiver sees the content you’ve shot off to them, it self-destructs Snapchat-style.
Also see: Facebook Slingshot for Android and iOS outed worldwide
You can sign up for Bolt app by offering your phone number as the main detail. Some of its other features include a ‘favorites’ list that maxes out at 20 friends, an in-built editor and more. Meanwhile, Andrew Benton who happens to be the CEO of a free calling app also dubbed Bolt, has written an open letter to Instagram asking for it to change the name of its latest release and we’re waiting for more drama to unfold.
Instagram’s Bolt has only been rolled out for Android and iOS in Singapore, South Africa and New Zealand at present. A wider launch may be on the way once it’s been tested properly, says The Verge.