Too self-conscious to broadcast your mug on the Internet, but have something you think the world needs to hear, directly from you, this very moment? No worries, soon you'll be able to go Live on Facebook wearing a virtual mask.
Word has it the social network is planning to leverage the face-swapping app MSQRD it picked up as part of its Masquerade acquisition in March to bring Snapchat-like face filters (think barfing rainbows, puppy dog ears, and flower crowns) to its Live video platform. Facebook's Director of Product, Fidji Simo, announced the new integration yesterday at VidCon in Anaheim, Calif.; it should arrive "in the coming weeks," according to The Verge.
Facebook isn't the only company hoping to replicate Snapchat's success in the face filter game. AOL just launched a new app, dubbed Switch, which also lets you try on virtual makeup and masks. You can, for instance, swap your face for that of a tiger or emoji, or shoot virtual lasers from your eyes.
Also announced at VidCon, Switch was created by Kanvas, the photo-editing service AOL acquired last year. It will auto-detect your face and apply your selected filters; you can take photos or videos of your new look and share them with your friends.
Switch is available for download in the App Store for iOS devices; it's also reportedly slated to arrive on Android at some point in the future as well.
Meanwhile, Facebook is planning a number of other features for its Live platform, including two-person remote broadcasts, pre-schedule streams, and the ability to create a virtual waiting room for viewers.