Snapchat is testing 'Connected Apps' for sharing information
As Facebook users are uninstalling apps they connected long ago via Facebook log-in, Snapchat may be pushing for its community to do the exact opposite.
The latest Snapchat beta version features a new tab called "Connected Apps" within the Settings page. The page doesn't show anything except text that reads, "These apps are connected to your Snapchat account. Choose an app to control what it has access to."
Given that context, this section could very well soon show what third-party apps users have connected directly to their Snapchat account. Snap currently allows this with Bitmoji, an app for creating cartoon versions of yourself which Snapchat bought in 2016. Users can choose to sign-up for Bitmoji via Snapchat or simply connect their accounts. Shazam also has an integration with Snapchat, though that doesn't require users to have a Shazam account.
Here's what the page looks like:
This update could help Snapchat become its own app ecosystem, not unlike Facebook, Google, and Twitter. All three of those companies allow for log-in on other third-party networks.
The move comes at an interesting time, however. Facebook is currently grappling with data privacy scandal. Facebook's decision to be friendly to app developers partially led to at least 50 million user profile data being exposed without all of the users' direct consent. The scandal has led some to delete Facebook altogether.
But Snapchat is apparently seeing power in a connected ecosystem. So far, Snapchat's only other app is Bitmoji and then it has the partnership with Shazam. It also sells its video-camera sunglasses Spectacles, but all of those videos are uploaded and stored within the Snapchat app.
A push to connect other apps could help inform Snapchat's recent update called Map Explore. Now, Snapchat users can opt to have automatically generated text status. According to a Snapchat spokesperson, the status could show a user taking a road trip, flying to a new destination, or using a particular geofilter.
Snapchat declined to comment.
Topics Facebook Privacy Snapchat Social Media
Kerry Flynn is a business reporter for Mashable covering the tech industry. She previously reported on social media companies, mobile apps and startups for International Business Times. She has also written for The Huffington Post, Forbes and Money magazine. Kerry studied environmental science and economics at Harvard College, where she led The Harvard Crimson's metro news and design teams and played mellophone in the Band. When not listening to startup pitches, she runs half-marathons, plays with puppies and pretends to like craft beer.
