Snapchat evolves once again

April 29, 2015

This is the way Snapchaters can add each other by taking a picture of someone else’s phone. This makes it much easier for people to add each other, rather than exchanging user names. This is also a new part of the 9.0.2
This is the way Snapchaters can add each other by taking a picture of someone else’s phone. This makes it much easier for people to add each other, rather than exchanging user names. This is also a new part of the 9.0.2
This is Discover, part of the new 9.0.2 update on Snapchat. Users can tap on each logo and see the latest news from that site. This news concept is completely new to Snapchat.
This is Discover, part of the new 9.0.2 update on Snapchat. Users can tap on each logo and see the latest news from that site. This news concept is completely new to Snapchat.

Over the last three years, Snapchat has completely changed from a simple picture-exchanging app to a news app.

Snapchat released it’s 9.0.2 update on Jan. 29, bringing one of the biggest Snapchat updates yet. While almost all of Snapchat’s updates have had a positive review from users, this new updates has some negative effects along with all of the pros that it brings.

To begin, the new update brings a new program to Snapchat — “Discover.” Discover is a page that popular news sites such as ESPN, People, and CNN. Users can tap on the logo, and it shows a small video about important news from that day. Each news site is updated each day bringing more news.

Another positive part of the update it the new way to add contacts on Snapchat. User 1 can point his/her Snapchat camera at another person’s Snapchat, and it automatically adds them.

While these are both great additions to the app, Snapchat’s long time running “Best Friends” program is now gone. Prior to update 9.0.2, users could look through their contacts and see who each one Snapchated most.

This has caused outrage from many teens who may like to “spy” on who their peers are exchanging pictures and direct messages with. Snapchat has yet to react to the anger users have shown to the removal of the Best Friend program.