Facebook’s F8 developers’ conference launched with a strong message from CEO Mark Zuckerberg: “The future is private.”

During the keynote, Facebook announced updates to Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and Facebook’s core service. We also got more news about the Oculus Quest and Rift S virtual reality headsets — and about a new dating feature that could spark some very intense interactions between you and your friends.

Dubbed “FB5” by Zuckerberg, the redesign ditches the signature blue color scheme for a clean, white interface.

Most importantly, however, the app will now downplay the News Feed as the central point of interaction.

Here is a glimpse at the big announcements from the F8’s conference keynote:

Facebook and Facebook Messenger updates

• Facebook Messenger is getting lighter and faster.
• A redesigned Groups tab on Facebook will enable users to see Groups activity front and center and to share content directly to your groups.
• Facebook Messenger users will be able to communicate directly with Whatsapp and Instagram users within the app — whether in messages or video calls.
• A new Facebook Events tab will make it easier for users to find out what’s happening around them and get recommendations for things to do.
• Facebook’s “Meet New Friends” feature is an opt-in tool that will help users make new friends from shared communities, such as the city you live in or school you attended.
• Facebook is working on making all communications to be made end-to-end encrypted by default on Messenger, though it’s unclear when this change will take place.
• Facebook Messenger will get a desktop version for Mac and Windows that will roll out in a few months. The app will include audio calls, group video calls, emoji and many of the other features users are familiar with from the mobile app.

New camera features and less prominent likes for Instagram

• Instagram is popularly loved as one of the friendlier spaces on the web, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it is also one of the most competitive platforms.
• Facebook is inventively downplaying statistics that could possibly stress people out , whilst offering several ways to interact with their followers.
• Simultaneously, IG is running trials with a system that will nearly completely not show likes on a person’s feed, so the spotlight is on the videos and photos you share, rather than how many likes they get.The feature will be tested out in Canada, and if it proves to be liked it might be rolled out in other countries.
• The upgradation of the camera interface and the insertion of the a new “Create Mode,” makes it simpler to share content beyond conventional videos and photos like quizzes.
• IG is also amplifying a feature that enables people to purchase products from within the app,offering an open outlet to athletes,artists and other creators alongside other companies.

Facebook is doubling down on VR

• Two new virtual-reality headsets, the Oculus Quest and Oculus Rift S, will go on sale on May 21st.
• Both the Quest and the Rift S are $399 each; with an option for more storage with the Quest (128GB, rather than 64GB) for $499.
• The Quest is completely wireless and independent. It’s a good choice for those willing to trade power for freedom of movement.
• The Rift S is PC-dependent. It has higher-resolution displays and a better field of view than the original Rift.

Increased Security for Portal

• Facebook’s Portal and Portal+ hands-free video-calling devices are expanding to European and Canadian markets in the fall of 2019, and getting end-to-end encryption on all calls.
• User will also be allowed to upload pictures from Facebook and Instagram , moreover users will also be enabled to stream directly via Facebook Live, advancing the interweaving of the functionality amidst the two.
• This summer, meanwhile, look for daily updates on birthdays and events and the ability to send private video messages from the Portal.
• Alexa skills like Flash Briefings, smart home control, and the Amazon Prime Video app are also expected later this year.

Facebook Portal will support Whatsapp calls and Amazon Prime Video

• Facebook’s video chat device will support Whatsapp calls, and all calls will have end-to-end encryption.
• You’ll be able to watch shows and movies from Amazon Prime Video later this year.
• Facebook Live is coming to Portal as well.
• Facebook’s Portal and Portal+ will be available outside of the US, starting with Canada this June and a European expansion this fall.
• Multiplayer augmented reality games, Instant Games and a standalone StoryTime app will also be coming to Portal.

Facebook Dating Expands With Secret Crush

• Last year, Facebook announced a dating service modeled around finding long-term relationships for its 200 million single users.
• This year, the service is expanding with a feature called “Secret Crush”. Users of the dating service can add select friends to a “secret” list, and if another user reciprocates by adding you to theirs, Facebook will notify you both.
• Facebook Dating is currently live in Colombia, Thailand, Canada, Argentina, and Mexico.
• This week, it expanded to 14 new countries: Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Guyana, and Suriname.
• If you’re looking for something more platonic, “Meet New Friends” on Facebook aims to connect people with shared communities like a school, workplace or city. Facebook will start testing this opt-in feature in a few places before rolling it out widely.

Instagram will make it easier to shop and donate to your favorite causes

• Buying the clothes that your favorite influencer is sporting will get a lot easier. You’ll soon be able to shop on Instagram without leaving the app. Over the next few weeks, Instagram will test a feature that lets you buy directly from the app with select influencers and brands.
• New donation stickers in the US will make it easier to raise money for charity on Instagram.
• A new camera design will be launched in the next couple of weeks that gives Instagram users quick access to effects and interactive stickers, including the Donation Sticker.