Snapchat adds selfie effects to anything with ‘World Lenses’ tool

Snapchat has launched a ‘World Lenses’ tool for its app that adds Augmented Reality (AR) effects for the rear camera, expanding the feature beyond the selfie for the first time.

Previously Lenses were only available on the front camera, when people were taking selfies or recording videos with the front camera on the app.

The World Lenses work just like the earlier ones. Users need to have either a face or other clear object in focus with the rear camera, and tap on the display for the lenses to appear.

There effects like snowflakes, little hearts and flowers that can be applied to surroundings.

Snapchat has made a couple of other minor changes, letting users hold on to a snap to share it instantly with friends.

Also a new rewind feature inspired by Instagram lets the user tap on the on the left-hand side of an Instagram Story to rewind it.