Facebook Accidentally Releases Snapchat Competitor 'Slingshot'

Publish date: Tuesday, 10 Jun 2014, 1:54PM

Facebook's new answer to Snapchat - 'Slingshot'

Facebook has removed Slingshot from the App Store. The company told Mashable the app rolled out by mistake.

"Earlier today, we accidentally released a version of Slingshot, a new app we’re working on," a Facebook spokesperson told Mashable. "With Slingshot, you’ll be able to share everyday moments with lots of people at once. It’ll be ready soon and we’re excited for you to try it out.”

Facebook on Monday accidentally launched Slingshot, its latest attempt at creating a Snapchat competitor. It's not clear how the app launched accidentally but it briefly appeared in the App Store, though it was only available to users in certain countries

The iOS app, which will apparently be launching officially "soon," allows users to send disappearing photo and video messages.

Users begin by snapping a photo or recording a video to share with friends. Like Snapchat, you can draw or write on images before sending them. But in order for the recipient to view the message, they will need to send their own message first.

After opening a message, you can respond with a reaction. Messages will disappear after they are swiped away though it's not clear whether there is a time limit on how long individual messages can be viewed.

Slingshot briefly appeared in the App Store before Facebook removed it, saying the rollout was an accident,

Before it was pulled, Slingshot appeared to only be available to users in certain markets, including Russia, India, Australia and New Zealand, TechCrunch reported, and was not available to those in the U.S. It's not yet clear exactly when the app will officially launch or when U.S users may see the app.

Apps have been known to launch prematurely when developers accidentally set the wrong date or timezone for the app's launch. The date on Slingshot's App Store page reads June 10, so it's possible the app began launching when the clock struck midnight in countries with early time zones (like Australia and New Zealand). It's also possible someone simply pushed the "launch" button too early.

Facebook did not comment beyond the statement listed above when asked if the app is slated to re-launch on Tuesday.

Reports Facebook was working on the new standalone app surfaced last month when theFinancial Times reported the company was working on a disappearing messaging app that would be called Slingshot.