Header Banner
Next Reality Logo
Next Reality
Mobile AR News
nextreality.mark.png
Apple Snap AR Business Google Instagram | Facebook NFT HoloLens Magic Leap Hands-On Smartphone AR The Future of AR Next Reality 30 AR Glossary ARKit Dev 101 What Is AR? Mixed Reality HoloLens Dev 101 Augmented Reality Hololens How-Tos HoloLens v. Magic Leap v. Meta 2 VR v. AR v. MR

Snapchat Highlights Augmented Reality Feature in New Group Video Chat

Group of friends taking a selfie with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Snapchat has added yet another social feature to its mobile app, and this one makes it possible to use augmented reality with a group of friends over video.

Rolling out worldwide this week, the new Group Video Chat feature gives Snap users the opportunity to video conference with as many as 16 friends simultaneously. The feature is activated through the video camera icon in any Group Chat thread. Friends will then be prompted to join with an invitation.

What makes this different from your run-of-the-mill video chat is that it integrates Snapchat's AR Lenses. Using the tool, you can now chat while amusing your friends with a silly face, or making them believe that there's a flying whale in your neighborhood. Or, if you're camera-shy, you can just join via voice or text messaging.

The presence of AR with Group Video Chat gives users a real-time format with which to apply their creative spark. For those who don't have more than one friend to video chat with, it should be noted that Lenses work in one-on-one video chat as well.

The new feature also falls in line with Snapchat's renewed focus on its camera and the multitude of creative ways that Snapchat users can express themselves with it. Augmented reality, both with face-morphing effects and world-bending animations, have been a key to what makes Snapchat's camera different (and why competitors like Facebook have been quick to copy it).

Cover image via Snapchat/YouTube

Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates are packed with new features, and you can try them before almost everyone else. First, check Gadget Hacks' list of supported iPhone and iPad models, then follow the step-by-step guide to install the iOS/iPadOS 26 beta — no paid developer account required.

Related Articles

Comments

No Comments Exist

Be the first, drop a comment!