is a deputy editor and Verge co-founder with a passion for human-centric cities, e-bikes, and life as a digital nomad. He’s been a tech journalist for 20 years.
Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.
Snapchat is launching Plans, a new suite of features designed to help turn the plans already being made in group chats — everything from birthday celebrations to study sessions and weekend hangouts — into real life get-togethers without ever leaving the app.
Plans lets users set event details, invite up to 200 friends with invitations adorned with dynamic Bitmoji that change as friends respond, and track RSVPs. Invites are sent via one-to-one chat and reminders are automatically sent to attendees before the scheduled event starts. A dedicated “My Plans” tab on user profiles lets you keep track of upcoming and past plans.
Snap is struggling to retain users in key markets, so features like Snapchat Plans, designed to keep users coming back to the app, could be critical to the company’s long-term prospects while its owner is distracted by eyewear.