【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. dominate /ˈdɒm əˌneɪt/ (v.) – to be the most powerful in a specific field
Example: Android devices dominate the smartphone industry.
2. imitation /ˌɪm ɪˈteɪ ʃən/ (n.) – a copy of something, usually having less quality
Example: Apple complained about the company’s imitation of iPhone design.
3. impermanent /ɪmˈpɜr mə nənt/ (adj.) – temporary or lasts for limited time
Example: The popularity of a phone model is impermanent.
4. blur /blɜr/ (v.) – to make a photo unclear and less viewable
Example: Many photo apps can blur a photo in different ways.
5. rival /ˈraɪ vəl/ (v.) – to compete with somebody or something
Example: Apple rivaled big-screened smartphones by increasing iPhone’s screen size.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Facebook continues its attempt to dominate the social media industry with its new photo messaging application called “Slingshot.”
Labeled by many as a Snapchat imitation, Slingshot hopes to attract people who love taking and sharing photos. Snapchat became popular in 2011 mainly because users enjoyed the impermanent photos they can send to each other. For instance, when a person sends a picture to someone through Snapchat, the recipient only has a few seconds to look at the photo before the item gets automatically deleted.
Slingshot is not much different from Snapchat. In Snapchat, images are deleted once sent. In Slingshot, images are deleted only when the user swipes it off the screen.
The new Facebook app also adds an exciting twist: it blurs the sent picture. To view the item, the recipient must reply with a photo to the sender.
Slingshot also enables users to take reaction shot. This feature will split the users’ screen into two, allowing the recipient to fill the other half of the initial photo as a reply.
According to reports, Facebook tried to purchase Snapchat for $3 billion last year. While some people claim that Facebook launched an app that will rival Snapchat, the company maintains that the two products are different. According to Facebook developers, Slingshot encourages users to be more creative and to have a better photo-sharing experience.
Facebook developers said the new app encourages everyone to participate so people can be more creative and have a better photo-sharing experience.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· If given the chance, would you use Slingshot? Why or why not?
· Do you think this new app will attract many users? Why or why not?
Discussion B
· How do you choose among similar products?
· Is imitation good for business? Why is that so?
