Snapchat 2.0: Update brings video and voice calls, app given complete makeover

Despite its popularity, Snapchat was not used by many as a communication app. But it seems like the company has identified the gap and is introducing the Chat 2.0 update, which will enable users to make video/voice calls, send audio messages as well as exchange stickers and GIFs.

"What we love most about the new Chat is how easily you can transition between all these ways of communicating — just like you do in person. When that's possible, you aren't texting, calling, or video chatting... you're just talking. We've been working on this redesign for a while — we can't wait to hear what you think," the company said in a blog post.

The new features will make Snapchat an amalgamation of some of the most popular messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, Microsoft's Skype, and WhatsApp. The latest update sees every type of virtual communication we have seen so far – video, audio, text, symbols, and drawings.

Below is a list of the latest features of Snapchat 2.0:

• Snapchat Stories: Now auto-advance when you get to the end of watching a friend's Story or swipe left and the next Story in your list will start playing for easy lean-back watching
• More stickers: Over 200 stickers are now available in private chat
• Video Notes: This feature lets users record and send a 10-second thumbnail-sized GIF-like loop. This is similar to Twitter's GIF offering.
• Audio Notes: Thisworks like the video notes, allowing users to send short voice snippets. Whatsapp has the same feature.
• Video or Audio call: The feature will allow users to make and receive voice and video calls. Most messaging apps like Hangouts and Facebook messenger have this feature.
• Send multiple photos: At a go send multiple photos and mark them up with Snapchat's text, drawing, and filter tools
• Send camera roll photos: During a video or audio call, a user can send a photo clicked by you, which will be translucently overlaid on the screen

With the latest update, it seems like Snapchat has surely evolved over time to give existing and potential new users many reasons to stick with the app.