Instagram event invite: Printed photos, private messaging coming?
Instagram has sent out media invitations for an event next week in New York City.
The Facebook-owned social network sent the invitations via FedEx, rather than through email as is customary with tech companies, according to CNET. Instagram opted for FedEx because its invitation contained more than just a piece of paper with a time and address on it.
Instagram sent a small wooden block with a printed Instagram picture on it. The block is 4 inches long by 4 inches wide by 1.75 inches thick. It comes with a slot on the back so that it can be hung.
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Along with the block, Instagram included a note that says “You are invited to share a moment with [Instagram cofounder] Kevin Systrom and the Instagram team,” according to CNET.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 12 in Manhattan, and of course the Internet has begun speculating what Instagram has in store.
CNET believes Instagram will announce a service that lets users print their pictures. That theory makes sense considering the invitation for the event. There is already a number of third-party companies that offer such services, which seems to indicate there’s a market for this kind of feature.
Additionally, starting a photo-printing service would create another form of revenue for Instagram, which this year began displaying ads within its app.
Another theory is that Instagram may announce a private messaging service to compete with personal messaging apps like Snapchat and WhatsApp. Rumors of an Instagram messaging feature have been going around recently, so it wouldn’t be a complete surprise.
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