Snap has announce (Opens in a new tab) Its Snap Camera tool, which enables users to apply video filters, will no longer be available for download or use as of the end of this month.
Originally launched in 2018, Snap Camera was initially designed to empower creators with new tools, and gained popularity during the pandemic as more and more users turned to video conferencing and calling.
However, the service will now shut down on January 25, 2023, with the release of Snap a set of instructions (Opens in a new tab) For existing users to uninstall the software from macOS and Windows operating systems.
Snap Camera is turned off
The company also recommends its users to change their camera source from Snap Camera to any built-in or third-party webcam to avoid any interruption of video calls after they stop. Not doing so could cause headaches for users of Zoom and other platforms that support filter software.
Recent months have revealed a series of changes at the company, including the layoffs of roughly one in five employees and the closing of several small divisions, such as the drone project Pixy and the social app Zenly.
Snap is now believed to be shifting its revenue plan which will see it focus on e-commerce and paid features like premium lenses, as well as focus on augmented reality projects.
Going forward, Snap says customers can continue to try out Lenses using the Snapchat web portal, which acts as an online version of the smartphone app. Currently, it’s a product only available on Chrome and Edge, leaving many users who prefer Mozilla’s privacy or Safari’s simplicity and integration unscathed. Users can alternatively use the dedicated and feature-packed smartphone app.
TechRadar Pro I reached out to Snap to ascertain whether the company plans to make its web version more accessible to more browsers and for any additional comment on shutting down Snap Camera.