Silicon Beach Report Feb. 20: Whatsapp Updates with Snapchat-Like Vanishing Content

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WhatsApp updates with Snapchat-like vanishing content, SpaceX lands its latest Falcon 9 rocket booster, media buying on Snapchat confuses advertisers, and more.

WhatsApp Updates with Snapchat-Like Vanishing Content

Facebook’s WhatsApp could slow Snapchat’s international growth with the launch of WhatsApp Status, a new tab for sharing decorated photos, videos and GIFs that disappear after 24 hours, reports TechCrunch. The addition, which is also be encrypted, is another attempt by Facebook to copy Snapchat feature by feature.

Video: SpaceX Lands Its Latest Falcon 9 Rocket Booster

SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket on Sunday from the same launch pad at Kennedy Space Center where NASA sent astronauts to the moon, reports CNET. A few minutes later at nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station the first stage of that rocket came back for a soft landing on earth.

Media Buying on Snapchat Confuses Advertisers

Media buyers are confused by the different advertising options available on Snapchat, reports DigiDay. Some of the confusion stems from a lack of Snap Inc. account representatives to handhold ad buyers, according to one ad executive.

Snapchat Spectacles Selling Online

Snap Inc. has started selling its spectacles online after initially only selling the camera-rigged sun glasses via special vending machines, reports Variety. The glasses cost $130, and are designed for Snapchat users to capture and upload 10-second clips to the app.

Send tips on L.A. tech companies and startups to reporter Garrett Reim via [email protected]. Follow @garrettreim on Twitter for the latest in L.A. tech news.