Facebook allegedly building a standalone camera app

Speculation is rife that Facebook could be building a standalone camera app with an integrated live-streaming component. The app is expected to work similar to Snapchat wherein one can capture and share photos in real-time.

The (WSJ) clarifies in its report that the app is just a prototype and the experimental effort may never see a finished public release.

Facebook's persistence in developing the app suggests the company's renewed interest in investing in mobile video, which could shape the future of its social network.

As its 1.6 billion users are now equipped with high-speed data connections, the camera app could enable better photo and video-sharing prospects among users and help the company to compete with the likes of Snapchat.

Facebook has so far floundered with a bunch of mobile apps failing to make an impact in the social media. Except for Messenger, all other apps like Slingshot, Rooms, and the Riff were killed last December when the company shut down Creative Labs.   

Facebook's news reader 'Paper' is also in the long list of unused mobile apps that may not see the revival anytime soon.

The company had earlier failed with its launch of Facebook Camera, which was shut down after two years. We could just hope that Facebook will be successful in its second attempt with a new camera app if the app gets fully integrated into the Facebook Live feature.