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Instagram soft launches previously rumored ‘Bolt’ one-tap photo messaging app

bolt

Following a leak earlier this week that appeared to show an upcoming photo messaging app from Instagram, today the app officially launches in a short list of countries abroad (via TechCrunch). The app, which is reportedly a Snapchat competitor of sorts with one-tap photo messaging, is rolling out today for users in Singapore, South Africa, and New Zealand on both iOS and Android.

While the app is only available in the countries mentioned above in its initial launch, Instagram reportedly plans to roll out the app to a bigger audience, including in the US, after getting feedback on the experience.

The app requires a phone number to sign up, but not a Facebook or Instagram account. It pulls in contacts and skips a traditional shutter button by allowing you to tap a contact to instantly snap and send a photo or video. The app also includes a feature that will allow users to undo their sent photos and retract a message within a few seconds if having second thoughts.

The app is rolling out today on Google Play in Singapore, South Africa, and New Zealand.

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Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jordan Kahn

Jordan writes about all things Apple as Senior Editor of 9to5Mac, & contributes to 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, & Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s weekly Logic Pros series and makes music as one half of Toronto-based Makamachine.