slingshotSo we know that at one point in time, Facebook had attempted to buy Snapchat for a cool $3 billion, an offer which Snapchat turned down. What this meant for Facebook is that if they couldn’t have Snapchat, the next best thing would be to create a Snapchat-lookalike app that would offer similar features, but perhaps be an improvement in some ways as well.

The app in question is codenamed “Slingshot” and according to reports, it seems that Facebook might have accidentally published the app earlier than they had expected. Many have spotted the app within the iTunes App Store, but oddly enough was not in the US iTunes App Store, suggesting that perhaps Facebook might have been looking to do a soft launch.

However the app was later pulled, and according to a Facebook spokesperson who released a statement to TechCrunch, “Earlier today, we accidentally released a version of Slingshot, a new app we’re working on. With Slingshot, you’ll be able to share everyday moments with lots of people at once. It’ll be ready soon and we’re excited for you to try it out.”

For those hearing about Facebook’s Snapchat competitor plans for the first time, Slingshot is supposed to act like Snapchat in some ways. Users will be able to send photos to other users, and the only way for the receiver to view the photo is by sending one back. There will reportedly be a “react” button that will allow users to snap a quick shot of their reaction and send it back to the sender in order to download the picture.

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