Snapchat’s next product could be an Android smartphone that positions the camera and messaging features at the forefront.
Marketing firm Mediakix has unveiled a concept handset equipped with a 360-degree camera, buttons that let users scroll through filters and a one-touch capture function for easy sharing.
Last week, Snap Inc. the parent company of Snapchat filed its IPO. The filing also contained some brand new information about Snap’s business and the state of Snapchat’s growth. Mediakix’s report suggests that recent hiring at the social media company may foreshadow a big hardware push.
“Snap went on a hiring spree for employees in hardware engineering, telecommunications and manufacturing logistics starting in August of 2016. These included electrical, mechanical, prototype, hardware, interactive, RF/antenna, and NPI (New Product Introduction) engineers as well as CMF (colour, metal, finish) designers, industrial designers, and mobile services specialists. Of the 36 new hires since August of 2016, 16 have previous experience from Motorola, seven from Apple, six from Google, three from HTC, and one each from Verizon and Nokia,” the report stated.
The rumoured device might include a lock screen that allows users to easily swipe for Snapchat notifications and updates, messaging, and syncing with Snap Inc’s other major product the ‘Snap Spectacles’. It may also pack Discover screen that combines GPS and maps, Snapchat Stories, and advertisements, the report said.
Snap Inc is seeking to raise up to $3 billion from its upcoming IPO. The company also plans to leverage its marquee product (Snapchat) to generate revenue from advertising where it will compete against Google, Facebook and Twitter.
Snapchat recently rolled out major changes in its app that will make it easier to navigate the app with a universal search bar that’s always accessible at the top of the app.
Snapchat is also introducing “Our Story” — a new global live story that any user can contribute to at any time.